Benin Holds Presidential Election with Finance Minister Favored to Succeed Talon
Benin conducted its presidential election as voters chose a successor to President Patrice Talon, who is stepping down after a decade in power. The election features Romuald Wadagni, the finance minister and governing coalition's candidate, as the frontrunner against opposition candidate Paul Hounkpè. The election follows a period of economic growth under Talon, but also challenges such as a growing jihadi insurgency in the north and suppression of opposition critics. Nearly 8 million voters were registered, with results expected within 48 hours. The election day was marked by low turnout and a ban on public demonstrations. 
