Benin Republic's Finance Minister, Romuald Wadagni, has secured victory in the Presidential Election.

Romuald Wadagni, the frontrunner in the Benin presidential election, achieved a decisive victory in the country's polls, garnering 94 percent of the votes, as per provisional results. The electoral commission released the preliminary count overnight from Monday to Tuesday, although final official results have yet to be announced.

Wadagni's capacity to stimulate economic growth amidst jihadist threats provided him with a significant advantage, despite the eight million-strong electorate displaying limited enthusiasm for either candidate, particularly in the urban areas of the West African nation. His rival conceded defeat even while the counting of votes was ongoing. Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe extended his congratulations to finance minister Wadagni, 49, who had been widely anticipated to win following the endorsement from outgoing leader Patrice Talon.

In his concession statement, Hounkpe remarked, "To… Romuald Wadagni, I extend my republican congratulations. Democracy necessitates mutual respect and the capacity to transcend partisan divisions." Talon concluded his tenure after serving two five-year terms since 2016. However, in the capital Porto-Novo, voter turnout for the election held on Sunday varied between 20 to 40 percent at certain polling stations, while life in the economic hub of Cotonou returned to its typical vibrancy by Monday. The electoral commission, CENA, reported a national voter turnout of 58.75 percent.

Hounkpe conducted a subdued campaign and required the support of the majority of lawmakers to obtain the necessary parliamentary endorsements to appear on the ballot. The main opposition Democrats party did not present a candidate, as its leader, Renaud Agbodjo, was unable to secure adequate endorsements. According to Le Telegramme daily, the election was described as "generally calm and well-organised," while Le Matin Libre noted, "Wadagni is on his way to the Marina," referring to the presidential palace.

Le Patriote, however, observed "indications of an electoral theft." "We are anticipating the CENA to verify in the forthcoming hours what we have already known: the unquestionable triumph of our candidate," stated leading Wadagni supporter Rominus Gnonlonfoun prior to the announcement of the results.