President Patrice Talon is set to host the leading opposition party, Les Démocrates, at the presidential palace. Boni Yayi, who heads the party, will personally lead the delegation. In a recent communication with the international community, Yayi raised concerns about the electoral system, calling for an audit of the voter registry in preparation for the 2026 general elections. President Talon has invited them for discussions, although the opposition seeks to broaden the agenda to encompass other critical subjects.
The meeting comes in response to Boni Yayi’s request for an audit of the electoral registry and his reservations about the election oversight bodies. President Talon initiated this encounter through a letter dated November 23. The format of the meeting is expected to be a direct exchange; however, the duration of the meeting remains undisclosed.
Accompanying Boni Yayi will be three key figures from his party, including Eric Houndété, currently the second in command, who has frequently articulated their demands.
In a press release, the opposition party expresses its intent to include topics such as “the passage of an amnesty law for political exiles and detainees, the organization of a national political dialogue, and youth employment” on the agenda. A close associate of President Talon remarked, “You are invited to a wedding, and you want to set the menu.”
The meeting is not open to the press, and it is unclear whether the protocol has planned, before or after the meeting, a one-on-one discussion between Boni Yayi and Patrice Talon, who were once allies but are now staunch opponents.