Benin’s Finance Minister, Romuald Wadagni, has emerged winner of the country’s presidential election after securing a landslide victory based on provisional results announced by the electoral commission.
The Independent Electoral Commission (CENA) said Wadagni won more than 94 percent of the vote, with about 90 percent of ballots already counted. Voter turnout was estimated at nearly 60 percent.
Wadagni is widely seen as the successor to outgoing President Patrice Talon and represents continuity with the current administration, which has overseen strong economic growth, expansion in tourism, and significant infrastructure development over the past decade.
However, the incoming leader is expected to confront major national challenges, including a widening wealth gap and growing insecurity in the northern region, where attacks have been linked to extremist groups.
His sole challenger, Paul Hounkpe, ran a low-profile campaign and conceded defeat even before the final collation of results was completed.
In his concession message, Hounkpe said: “To… Romuald Wadagni, I offer my republican congratulations. Democracy requires mutual respect and the ability to rise above partisan divides.”
The constitutional court is expected to announce the final official results of the election later in the week.
