Polls have officially closed in Benin following a presidential election in which Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is widely expected to emerge as the frontrunner after receiving endorsement from outgoing President Patrice Talon.
Nearly eight million voters were registered to participate in the vote to determine the next leader of the West African nation, as Talon prepares to step down after completing two terms in office, in line with constitutional limits.
Vote counting began shortly after polling stations closed in the commercial capital, Cotonou, with provisional results expected to be released on Tuesday.
Wadagni, aged 49, is seen as the leading candidate in the race, though analysts say voter turnout could play a key role following reports of low enthusiasm during the campaign period. He is expected to continue key economic policies associated with the outgoing administration.
The election also features opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe, who has urged citizens to participate actively and “turn a page” in the country’s political direction. However, his campaign faced challenges in securing the required parliamentary endorsements needed for ballot access.
Outgoing president Talon, who was present at a polling unit in Cotonou, expressed optimism about the country’s future while stating he intends to retire from political life. He, however, noted that it is unrealistic to expect complete withdrawal from national influence after leaving office.
Under Talon’s administration, Benin has recorded notable economic growth, including a significant rise in GDP and expansion of infrastructure projects, though concerns remain over inequality and economic disparities.
Security remains a major issue for the incoming administration, as northern Benin continues to face spillover violence from armed groups linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin operating in the Sahel region.
