Romuald Wadagni has emerged as the winner of Benin’s presidential election, securing 94 per cent of the vote, according to provisional results released by the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA).
The commission published the preliminary tally overnight, although final official results are yet to be announced.
Wadagni, 49, who serves as the country’s finance minister, had been widely tipped to win after receiving the backing of outgoing President Patrice Talon. His victory was further reinforced after his opponent, Paul Hounkpe, conceded defeat even before the conclusion of vote counting.
In his concession statement, Hounkpe congratulated Wadagni, urging respect for democratic values and unity beyond political differences.
Despite the decisive outcome, voter enthusiasm appeared muted in parts of the country, particularly in urban centres such as Cotonou and Porto-Novo, where turnout at some polling units ranged between 20 and 40 per cent. Nationwide turnout was put at 58.75 per cent by the electoral commission.
The election was largely peaceful, with observers from the Economic Community of West African States commending the smooth conduct of the process. However, civil society groups reported isolated incidents, including irregularities at some polling stations.
Wadagni’s victory signals continuity with the policies of the Talon administration, which has overseen economic growth, infrastructure development, and expansion in tourism.
However, significant challenges remain, including persistent poverty, with over 30 per cent of the population affected, and rising insecurity in the northern region, where jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda continue to carry out attacks.
Under recent constitutional reforms, Benin’s presidential term has been extended from five to seven years, with the next general elections scheduled for 2033.
