The vote count is over and the waiting begins. In Benin, the National Autonomous Electoral Commission (CENA) must announce the provisional results of Sunday's presidential election no later than Wednesday, following a generally calm day of voting.
Nearly eight million voters were called to the polls to choose the successor to Patrice Talon, who is completing his two constitutional terms. Two candidates appeared on the ballot: Romuald Wadagni, Minister of Economy and Finance and the outgoing president's chosen successor, and Paul Hounkpè, former Minister of Culture and a figure in what is considered a marginal opposition.
Unsurprisingly, Romuald Wadagni emerged as the clear favorite in the election, buoyed by the support of the ruling parties and a campaign lacking any real competition. Facing him, Paul Hounkpè failed to present a credible alternative in an election widely considered a foregone conclusion by many observers.
Voter turnout, however, is emerging as a key issue. In major cities, particularly Cotonou and Porto-Novo, participation remained low throughout the day, with rates sometimes estimated between 20 and 40% in certain polling stations. This significant abstention contrasts sharply with the higher turnout seen in some rural areas.
This weak electoral momentum comes in a political context marked by the absence of the main opposition party, Les Démocrates, whose candidacy was not validated due to a lack of sufficient endorsements. This situation has left a portion of the electorate without an alternative political option.
The day of voting was also marked by reports of irregularities. Civil society organizations recorded around a hundred alerts, mentioning in particular the early opening of polling stations or ballot boxes allegedly already filled.
Economically, the future president will inherit a country with sustained growth, its GDP having doubled in ten years and performance exceeding 6% annually. However, numerous challenges remain: the fight against poverty, youth unemployment, the erosion of civil liberties, and worsening insecurity in the north of the country.
