In Benin, initial vote counting suggests that Patrice Talon will be the Republic’s next President.

Lionel Zinsou, Talon’s opponent from the first round and outgoing Prime Minister thus loses its gamble. Fair-play, he called his adversary to congratulate him. “I called Patrice Talon tonight to congratulate him, wish him the best and tell him I would offer the needed help with transition. It was quite polite,” he told AFP.

Mr Zinsou led with 28% in the first round. However, most of the candidates running for the position during this round gave their support to Patrice Talon during the second.