Sitting finance minister Romuald Wadagni headed toward victory in Benin’s presidential election as rival conceded during counting still ongoing tally.
Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe offered republican congratulations to Wadagni, endorsed by outgoing president Patrice Talon, ahead of official results Tuesday.
Wadagni’s campaign highlighted economic growth amid militant attacks, though voter enthusiasm remained low across urban centres nationwide during election day.
Talon stepped down after two terms, with turnout ranging 20 to 40 percent while Cotonou returned bustling Monday life rhythm.
Hounkpe struggled for ballot access requiring parliamentary endorsements, while main opposition Democrats failed to field a candidate this electoral cycle.
Media described calm organized polling, though some outlets alleged irregularities while supporters claimed imminent victory across the West African state.
We await electoral commission confirmation, said supporters expressing confidence in Wadagni’s undisputed win as counting continues across Benin on Monday.
ECOWAS observers praised peaceful voting atmosphere, while civil society reported around one hundred incident alerts across polling stations nationwide monitoring.
Wadagni represents continuity with Talon era marked by growth, infrastructure expansion, and rising tourism across Benin economic transformation underway momentum.
Yet inequality persists, with poverty above 30 percent, alongside worsening security challenges in militant-hit northern regions remains deep national concern.
Next national elections are scheduled for 2033 after constitutional reform extended presidential terms to seven years and synchronized cycle shift.