Summary
Voting has ended in Benin, where Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is likely to win the presidential election. Nearly eight million people were eligible to vote for a new leader to follow former President Patrice Talon, who has completed his term. The winner will be announced after vote counting, which started after the polls closed.
Key Facts
- Nearly 8 million people in Benin could vote in the presidential election.
- Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is expected to win, backed by a former president.
- Former President Patrice Talon, who served for 10 years, is stepping down.
- Vote counting began in Benin's largest city, Cotonou, after the polls closed on Sunday.
- Provisional election results are expected to be announced on Tuesday.
- Wadagni faced voter apathy during the campaign, making turnout important.
- Paul Hounkpe is Wadagni's main challenger, having needed endorsements to run.
- Benin has seen economic growth under Talon, but challenges like a wealth gap and violence in the north remain.
