/ 21 March 2001

OPPOSITION WALKS AWAY FROM BENIN POLL

BENIN will hold a presidential run-off vote pitting President Mathieu Kerekou against low-profile candidate Bruno Amoussou, after two rivals pulled out of what they branded a “masquerade.” Amoussou, a government minister in a west African country which had been hailed as a model of democracy, said he would stand in the second round due on Thursday to ensure the nation’s well-being. He had come fourth in the first round with fewer than 10% of the votes. – AFP