The landslide victory comes as opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe had already conceded defeat even before vote counting began, signaling a largely uncontested race.

Wadagni, who previously served as Minister of Finance under President Patrice Talon, is set to take over leadership after nearly a decade of Talon’s rule, which began in 2016. His transition from a key economic figure in the outgoing administration to the country’s top office reflects continuity in governance, particularly in economic policy.

Romuald Wadagni is widely recognized for his role in implementing financial reforms during his tenure as finance minister, which helped shape Benin’s economic direction in recent years.

While his decisive victory underscores strong institutional backing, it also raises questions about political competition and the state of opposition in Benin’s democratic landscape.