By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Romuald Wadagni, Benin Republic’s minister of finance, has won the country’s presidential election with more than 94 percent of the votes, according to provisional results.
Sacca Lafia, head of the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission, announced the results on national television on Monday. He said voter turnout stood at 58.78 percent.
Before the results were announced, Paul Hounkpè, the only opposition candidate, conceded defeat. Hounkpè had said he would accept the outcome provided the electoral process was transparent and fair.
His concession clears the path for Wadagni to succeed President Patrice Talon, who steps down after ruling for 10 years (two five-year terms).
Wadagni’s victory was widely expected after the main opposition failed to cross the 20 per cent threshold required to win seats in January’s parliamentary election. Talon’s two allied parties now control all 109 seats in the National Assembly.
The 49-year-old campaigned on Benin’s economic performance during his decade as finance minister. Last year, the economy grew by seven per cent, making it one of West Africa’s steadiest performers.
On Sunday, as voting took place, Talon said he was “leaving office with the feeling of having given my best, of having led the country to take some steps forward in all areas.”
“Whatever the outcome of the vote, Benin has reached a milestone in its history,” the president stated.
