Patrice Talon

Rule Changes

Stepping down after two terms; endorsed Wadagni as successor

Benin held its presidential election on April 12 with only two candidates on the ballot after the main opposition party was barred from competing. Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, endorsed by outgoing President Patrice Talon, defeated Paul Hounkpè of the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin party with provisional results released April 13 showing Wadagni winning approximately 66% of the vote. Turnout remained depressed at roughly 27%, continuing a decade-long pattern of voter disengagement in restricted elections.

Updated Apr 13