Romuald Wadagni has secured a landslide victory in Benin’s presidential election, polling 94 percent of the vote, according to provisional results released by the country’s electoral commission.
The preliminary tally, published overnight from Monday to Tuesday by the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA), is yet to be finalised, but already signals a decisive mandate for the 49-year-old finance minister, who had been widely tipped to win after receiving the backing of outgoing President Patrice Talon.
Wadagni’s main challenger, Paul Hounkpe, conceded defeat even before the final count was completed, offering a statesmanlike response.
“To… Romuald Wadagni, I offer my republican congratulations. Democracy requires mutual respect and the ability to rise above partisan divides,” Hounkpe said in his concession statement.
Despite the overwhelming margin, voter enthusiasm appeared muted, particularly in urban centres. In the capital, Porto-Novo, turnout ranged between 20 and 40 percent at some polling stations, while life in the commercial hub, Cotonou, quickly returned to normal after voting.
Overall voter turnout stood at 58.75 percent, according to the electoral commission.
The election unfolded without a major opposition challenge, as the main opposition Democrats party failed to field a candidate after its leader, Renaud Agbodjo, could not secure the required endorsements. Hounkpe himself ran a low-key campaign and relied heavily on parliamentary backing to qualify for the ballot.
Observers offered mixed reactions. The Economic Community of West African States election mission praised “a peaceful atmosphere” and “the smooth running of the election,” while civil society monitors reported about 100 incident alerts, including early-opening polling units and concerns over ballot box handling.
CENA President Sacca Lafia maintained that the election was conducted peacefully.
Local media also reflected divergent views. While Le Télégramme described the process as “generally calm and well-organised,” Le Matin Libre declared “Wadagni on his way to the Marina,” the presidential palace. In contrast, Le Patriote pointed to “signs of an electoral heist.”
Among supporters, confidence in the outcome was high even before official confirmation. “We are waiting for the CENA to confirm in the coming hours what we already knew: the undisputed victory of our candidate,” said Wadagni ally Rominus Gnonlonfoun.
However, scepticism lingered in opposition circles. Jean de Dieu Hadjinou said he did not trust “either social media or the premature celebrations of a camp that is already claiming victory.”
For ordinary citizens, expectations remain cautious. “If this election or Wadagni’s arrival can change our lives, we shall be happy but for now, we have to find a way to feed the family,” said Alimata, a trader in the Gbegamey district.
Wadagni’s victory signals continuity with the Talon administration, which has overseen strong economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and a boost in tourism. However, challenges persist, including a widening wealth gap, with over 30 percent of the population living in poverty.
Security concerns also loom large, particularly in northern Benin, where jihadist attacks linked to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims have intensified.
Meanwhile, recent constitutional reforms extending the presidential term from five to seven years mean the next elections in Benin are not expected until 2033.
AFP
