Benin’s Constitutional Court has confirmed finance minister Romuald Wadagni’s victory in the presidential election on Thursday, official final results.
The Constitutional Court upheld provisional figures, confirming a landslide victory for outgoing President Patrice Talon’s chosen successor Romuald Wadagni.
Many observers said the April 12 vote outcome appeared a foregone conclusion amid a tightly controlled race in Benin.
Only teacher and former minister Paul Hounkpe represented the opposition, as the main party was excluded from the contest.
Court president Cossi Dorothe Sossa declared Wadagni elected president and Mariam Chabi Talata vice president in official announcement.
He added that Wadagni will be sworn in on Sunday, May 24, marking a swift transition of power.
The court reported no irregularities capable of annulling the process and noted no formal challenges to results were received.
Final vote tallies and turnout figures were not disclosed, unlike provisional estimates of high participation earlier reported figures.
Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe conceded defeat before official results were released, acknowledging the expected outcome of the election.
Wadagni’s decade as finance minister is marked by fiscal cleanup, reduced deficit, and steady economic growth in Benin’s economy.
His presidency signals continuity with Talon’s era, though inequality and northern insecurity remain pressing challenges for the nation.
