Vote counting has commenced in Benin following the close of polls in the first round of the country’s presidential election, marking a pivotal moment in the transition from outgoing leader Patrice Talon.
Ballots began to be tallied on Sunday, April 12 evening after polling stations shut at 4 p.m. local time, in line with the country’s electoral procedures. Voting had earlier opened at 7 a.m. across the nation, with election officials overseeing a largely orderly process.
In the economic capital, Cotonou, electoral staff were observed sorting and counting ballots shortly after voting concluded, signalling the start of what authorities describe as a transparent and structured collation process. The President of the Autonomous National Electoral Commission, Sacca Lafia, indicated that preliminary trends are expected within 48 hours of the closure of polls, providing an early indication of voter direction.
Nearly 7.9 million registered voters participated in the election, which will determine a successor to President Talon, whose tenure is set to expire on May 23.
The contest features two main tickets: Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, representing the ruling coalition alongside running mate Mariam Chabi Talata, and opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe, paired with Rock Hounwanou of the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin. The outcome of the first round will determine whether a candidate secures an outright majority or whether the race proceeds to a run-off, in what analysts view as a defining electoral cycle for the country’s democratic trajectory.