Romuald Wadagni Declared Winner of Benin's 2026 Presidential Election

Romuald Wadagni has emerged as the president-elect of Benin following the national presidential election held on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Preliminary figures from the Autonomous National Electoral Commission, announced on April 13, indicate that Wadagni secured an overwhelming 94% of the ballots cast. If officially certified by the Constitutional Court, this outcome will see him take over from the outgoing President, Patrice Talon.

The electoral process saw a participation rate of approximately 58.75%, with over 4.2 million votes counted in favour of the leading ticket. Wadagni, aged 49, ran as the candidate for the ruling coalition, which includes the Progressive Union for Renewal (UPR) and the Republican Bloc (BR).

His running mate, Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yerima, is expected to retain her position as Vice-President, a role she made history in by becoming the first woman elected to the office in Benin in 2021. Her continued presence on the ticket signals an intent for policy continuity.

The primary challenger to Wadagni and Talata was Paul Hounkpè, representing the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin (FCBE). Hounkpè, a 56-year-old former Minister of Culture, garnered 5.95% of the vote. Following the announcement of the preliminary results, he extended his congratulations and urged for national unity.

Wadagni has held the position of Minister of Economy and Finance since April 2016. An alumnus of Harvard University and the University of Grenoble, he has been instrumental in steering Benin's economic reforms and attracting foreign investment throughout President Talon's tenure.

During his campaign, Wadagni highlighted plans to enhance national security in light of regional insurgencies and to broaden access to healthcare services. He stated his intention to govern with the same diligence he applied to managing the nation's finances, promising to uphold existing development initiatives while prioritising inclusive economic growth.

Wadagni is slated to assume office once the electoral commission's final results are confirmed by the Constitutional Court, succeeding Patrice Talon who is concluding his second term. The court is expected to ratify the election outcome within the coming days.