Voting begins in Benin's presidential elections

Voters in Benin began flocking to polling stations to choose a new president to succeed Patrice Talon, with polling stations opening at 7 a.m. and scheduled to close at 4 p.m.

According to Radio France Internationale, the number of voters in Benin reached about 8 million in this presidential election, in which two candidates are competing: Economy Minister Romuald Wadani, supported by the ruling coalition, versus Paul Hounkpe from the moderate opposition, amid the absence of the main Democrats Party.

According to local media in Benin, the ruling majority supports Economy and Finance Minister Romuald Ouaddarni, who has the backing of current President Patrice Talon.

How to vote in elections in Benin

In Benin, a uniform ballot paper is used for voting. On one side, there is a picture of Wadagne with Mariam Talata (the Vice President) on a blue background, and on the other side, a picture of Honkpe with Roch Honwano (the Vice President) on a green background. Voters are required to place the seal on the side they choose.

Benin held a double legislative and local election in January. The current presidential election is the final stage of this year's general elections, with the next election scheduled for seven years from now.

As part of securing the electoral process, a joint security apparatus comprising army and police forces was deployed throughout the country, with heightened vigilance in the Aliburi region and border areas with Nigeria, and the transport of ballot boxes was secured.

Presidential elections in Benin

Presidential elections are being held in Benin, amid a crucial political landscape for the start of a new political era in Porto-Novo. Only two candidates are vying for the presidency: Economy Minister Romuald Wadani, backed by the ruling coalition, and Paul Hounkpe from the moderate opposition, amid the absence of the main Democrats party.

The election campaign began on March 26, 2026, following legislative elections swept by the ruling coalition in January 2026, and ended on April 10 at midnight, two days before the election date.

These elections come at a crucial time after the country experienced a failed coup attempt last December, and are seeking to consolidate political stability following Talon's term.