Benin’s Constitutional Court has officially confirmed the victory of Romuald Wadagni in the April 12, 2026 presidential election, solidifying earlier provisional results announced by the electoral commission.
According to the final figures, Wadagni secured 94.27% of the vote, slightly higher than the initial 94.05% reported. His opponent, Paul Hounkpè, received 5.73% of the ballots cast. Voter turnout was also revised upward, reaching 63.57%, compared to the earlier estimate of 58.75%.
Wadagni, 49, a trained accountant and long-serving Minister of Economy and Finance under President Patrice Talon, is set to be sworn in on May 23, 2026. His election marks a continuation of the current administration’s political and economic direction.
The transition comes under revised constitutional provisions adopted in November 2025, which extend the presidential term from five to seven years, potentially reshaping Benin’s political landscape in the years ahead.
Notably, Hounkpè conceded defeat even before the official announcement, congratulating Wadagni in a gesture seen as promoting political stability.
As Benin moves toward its next political phase, attention will focus on governance, inclusiveness, and the implementation of reforms under the new administration.
Source: Newstimehub
