Polls close in Benin with finance minister expected to win election

Polls have closed in Benin's presidential election, where Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is favored to win following endorsement from outgoing President Patrice Talon. Nearly eight million voters were eligible to vote for Talon's successor after he served two five-year terms. Wadagni is being challenged by opposition figure Paul Hounkpe. Provisional results are expected on Tuesday. Talon, who is stepping down due to term limits, expressed hope for Benin's future and stated his intention to retire without influencing his successor, while acknowledging the difficulty of completely fading from the political scene.

Benin held its presidential election on Sunday, with over 7.9 million registered voters. Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, backed by the ruling coalition and outgoing President Patrice Talon, is the frontrunner. He faces opposition from Paul Hounkpe, whose campaign has been relatively quiet. Talon is stepping down after two terms, leaving behind a legacy of economic growth coupled with a crackdown on opposition. The new president will need to address economic inequality, with a poverty rate exceeding 30%, and improve the deteriorating security situation as Benin faces increasing threats from armed groups linked to al-Qaeda.

Benin held presidential elections on Sunday to choose a successor to outgoing President Patrice Talon. Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, endorsed by Talon and backed by the two main ruling parties, is the frontrunner. He is challenged by opposition figure Paul Hounkpe, whose campaign has been low-key. Nearly eight million voters are eligible to vote. The election takes place against a backdrop of economic growth overseen by Wadagni, but also amid jihadist attacks in the north and voter apathy following a lacklustre campaign. Analysts suggest turnout will be a crucial factor in the election's outcome.

Benin is holding a presidential election this Sunday, four months after a failed coup. Incumbent Patrice Talon is ineligible to run again after serving two terms. The ruling coalition's candidate, Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, is heavily favored to win, promising free schooling and more jobs. Critics allege that potential rivals were sidelined to ensure Wadagni's victory. The election follows a period of discontent, including a rise in jihadist attacks and accusations of stifled dissent under Talon's leadership, with some journalists facing arrest or exile. The outcome presents Benin with an opportunity for a peaceful transition, contrasting with the trend of military juntas in neighboring countries.

Benin's presidential campaign is dominated by growing concerns over spreading Islamist insurgency. Voters are heading to the polls following a failed coup attempt earlier this year, highlighting regional instability. Attacks by groups like JNIM, an al-Qaeda affiliate, have intensified, resulting in significant military casualties, particularly in areas like the W National Park. Violence monitoring groups report a sharp increase in attacks in border regions between Niger, Benin, and Nigeria, leading to a doubling of fatalities in 2025 compared to the previous year. The porous borders and dense forests facilitate militant activity, raising fears among locals about the country's future security.