Romuald Wadagni, Benin’s Minister of Finance, has secured a landslide victory in the country’s presidential election with more than 94 percent of the votes, according to provisional results confirmed by Sacca Lafia, head of the electoral commission.
Lafia announced that over 90% of ballots had been counted, with turnout at 58.78%. Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe conceded defeat, while President Patrice Talon prepares to leave office after two terms.
The vote follows political consolidation after opposition party Democrats failed to meet parliamentary thresholds. Wadagni pledged reforms on water access, healthcare and social protection.
• Over 8 million voters eligible; turnout 58.78%
• Hounkpe concedes defeat in televised statement
• Security concerns persist after JNIM attacks in northern Benin
• Poverty remains above 30% despite GDP growth of 7.5% in 2024
ℹ️ Al Jazeera
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