Benin holds presidential election, Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni favored to win

Benin is holding its presidential election today, with Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni widely expected to succeed Patrice Talon. Talon is stepping down after two five-year terms, as mandated by the Constitution. Wadagni, endorsed by Talon and supported by the two majority parties, faces only one opponent, Paul Hounkpè, who observers believe has little chance of winning. Hounkpè, a former mayor of Bopa, struggled to secure the necessary endorsements and was not very visible during the campaign. Voter turnout is a key concern, as the campaign generated little enthusiasm, and the main opposition party, Les Démocrates, failed to secure enough endorsements to field a candidate. Some polling stations reportedly opened early or had pre-filled ballot boxes, according to an electoral monitoring platform. While Benin has experienced significant economic growth under Talon, including a doubled GDP and consistent growth exceeding 6% annually, the country faces increasing jihadist violence in its northern region. Wadagni, who oversaw this economic development as Finance Minister, represents continuity but has pledged to combat poverty, which affects an estimated 30% of the population. Hounkpè has promised to lower prices on essential goods and release "political prisoners." Many observers are also questioning the next president's stance on public freedoms, given what they describe as an authoritarian shift under Patrice Talon. The next president will also need to address security challen