Presidential candidate Romuald Wadagni greets supporters at a campaign rally in Cotonou, Benin, Friday, on April 10, 2026. ABADJAYE JUSTIN SODOGANDJI / AP
Benin presidential election favorite Romuald Wadagni swept to victory in the country's polls, securing 94 % of votes, according to provisional results. The electoral commission published the preliminary tally overnight from Monday, April 13, to Tuesday, April 14, though it has not yet issued final official results.
But Wadagni's ability to conjure economic growth in the face of jihadist attacks gave him a clear lead, even if the eight million-strong electorate showed scant enthusiasm for either candidate, notably in the West African nation's cities.
Wadagni's opponent earlier conceded defeat even as votes were still being counted.
Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe offered congratulations to finance minister Wadagni, 49, who had been widely tipped to win after being endorsed by outgoing leader Patrice Talon. "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.
