Benin’s president, Patrice Talon, attends a joint declaration with French president at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, April 26, 2016. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer/File Photo
Benin’s President Patrice Talon, re-elected earlier this month, said on Friday he saw no need for a pardon or amnesty for opponents arrested following violence during the electoral campaign.
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Talon won 86.3 percent in the April 11 ballot, which critics said was biased in his favour after a crackdown on opposition leaders left most of them exiled or disqualified from running.
Several opposition representatives, including two candidates who were barred, were detained before or just after the vote in the West African state.