Benin’s government-backed candidate, Romuald Wadagni, is on track to win the presidential election after his only opponent, Paul Hounkpe, conceded defeat on Monday.
Hounkpe, representing the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin party, acknowledged the loss in a television statement.
“To… Romuald Wadagni, I offer my republican congratulations. Democracy requires mutual respect and the ability to rise above partisan divides,” Hounkpe said, according to the AFP news agency.
Wadagni, who currently serves as the minister of foreign affairs, is the handpicked successor to President Patrice Talon. Talon is finishing his second five-year term and is stepping down from office.
The election follows a period of instability, including a coup attempt four months ago that security forces, supported by Nigerian troops, successfully suppressed.
Security and economic hurdles
While the election results appear decided, the incoming president inherits a nation struggling with insurgent violence and economic inequality.
Armed rebels from the al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusral Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have increased attacks in northern Benin. Last year, an assault on a military post killed 54 soldiers, followed by another 15 deaths in March.
Economic disparity also remains a central issue. Hounkpe’s campaign argued that Benin’s 7.5 percent GDP growth in 2024 has failed to improve daily life for most citizens.
Despite the growth, Benin’s poverty rate stays above 30 percent. Many voters claim the benefits of the country's recent economic expansion have not reached the broader population.
Wadagni has campaigned on promises to improve access to healthcare, water, and social security programs.
His path to victory was eased by the failure of the main opposition party, the Democrats, to field a candidate. The party also declined to support Hounkpe, leaving the governing coalition with total control of the political landscape.
