Porto-Novo, Benin — Romuald Wadagni, Benin’s long-serving finance minister, has been officially confirmed as the country’s next president following a decisive victory in the 12 April election, according to final results announced Thursday by the Constitutional Court.
The court upheld provisional figures released last week, cementing Wadagni’s overwhelming win in a race widely viewed as a foregone conclusion. He succeeds outgoing President Patrice Talon, who had endorsed him as his preferred successor.
Announcing the results at the court’s headquarters, its president, Cossi Dorothe Sossa, declared: “The court hereby definitively declares Mr. Kossi Mbueke Romuald Wadagni elected president of the Republic, and Ms. Mariam Chabi Talata vice president.” Wadagni is expected to be sworn in on Sunday, 24 May.
Sossa noted that the court found no irregularities significant enough to challenge the integrity of the electoral process and reported no formal disputes over the provisional results. While final figures were not disclosed, earlier tallies indicated Wadagni secured approximately 94% of the vote, with turnout at 58.8%.
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The election drew criticism from observers due to the limited participation of opposition forces. Paul Hounkpè, a teacher and former minister, was the sole opposition candidate on the ballot, capturing just under 6% of the vote. The country’s main opposition party, The Democrats, was unable to contest the election after failing to secure the required number of sponsorships. Hounkpè conceded defeat even before the official announcement.
Wadagni’s victory signals continuity with the policies of President Talon, under whom he served as finance minister for a decade. During his tenure, Benin implemented significant fiscal reforms, reducing its budget deficit by roughly one-third to about 3% of gross domestic product. The Talon administration also oversaw strong economic growth, expanded tourism, and delivered major infrastructure projects.
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Despite these achievements, Wadagni inherits a country facing persistent challenges. Economic inequality remains pronounced, and security concerns are mounting in the north, where attacks attributed to jihadist groups have increased in recent years.
As he prepares to take office, expectations are high that Wadagni will maintain economic momentum while addressing the social and security issues that continue to test the West African nation.
