Wadagni wins Benin presidency in landslide

Benin’s finance minister, Romuald Wadagni, has won the country’s presidential election with more than 94 per cent of the vote, according to provisional results released by the electoral commission.

Wadagni, 49, was the candidate of an alliance between the Progressive Union Renewal and the Republican Bloc, and had been widely expected to win after receiving the backing of outgoing President Patrice Talon.

His main opponent, Paul Hounkpe of the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin party, conceded defeat while vote counting was still ongoing.

The electoral commission said the results were based on more than 90 per cent of ballots counted, with turnout estimated at 58.75 per cent among approximately 7.9 million registered voters.

Observers from the Economic Community of West African States described the election as peaceful and well organised, although civil society groups reported isolated incidents at some polling stations.

Wadagni, who has served as finance minister, campaigned on sustaining economic growth after overseeing years of expansion in the country.

Outgoing President Talon is stepping down after completing two terms in office, in line with constitutional limits.

Analysts, however, have raised concerns about political participation, noting that key opposition groups were absent from the ballot due to electoral requirements introduced in recent years.

Benin, often considered one of West Africa’s more stable democracies, continues to face challenges, including poverty, inequality, and security threats linked to regional instability.

SOURCE: AFP