• Wadagni–Talata lead with 94.05% in provisional results
• Outcome deemed irreversible with 90.55% ballots counted
• Opposition concedes ahead of Constitutional Court confirmation

Benin's Independent National Electoral Commission (CENA) on Monday released provisional results showing a wide lead for the Romuald Wadagni–Mariam Chabi Talata ticket. The pair secured 94.05% of the vote, compared with 5.95% for the Paul Hounkpe–Rock Judicael Hounwanou duo.

The figures are based on a count of 90.55% of ballots, transmitted via a digital platform that enabled rapid and secure processing of electoral data. CENA said the margin made the outcome "mathematically irreversible."

Voter turnout stood at 58.75%, with 4.64 million ballots cast out of nearly 7.9 million registered voters. The vote was largely peaceful, though turnout varied by region, with higher abstention rates in some urban areas.

Opposition concedes before official proclamation

Ahead of the official announcement, opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe conceded defeat. In a statement released on April 13, he acknowledged "the emerging lead" in favour of the Wadagni–Talata ticket and extended his congratulations.

Romuald Wadagni served as minister of economy and finance for a decade under President Patrice Talon before running as the ruling coalition’s candidate representing continuity. His campaign, built around the slogan "Forward, together," focused on sustaining economic reforms, macroeconomic stability and infrastructure development.

With growth estimated at around 7% in 2026, according to the World Bank, the incoming administration will face expectations to translate that momentum into more inclusive development and consolidate the country’s economic gains. In line with the constitution, the provisional results have been forwarded to the Constitutional Court, which has sole authority to proclaim the final outcome.

Charlène N’dimon