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Since the 2026 Benin Presidential Elections commenced at around 7 am local time on Sunday, they have been largely peaceful, with no reports of electoral violence thus far.
There were no incidents of violence at Centre de Vote Agonvè à Lokossa, Polling centre – 10186 Epp Jericho, Aidjedo Gbego in Cotonou, Fifadji, 9th district polling centre: 10258, Cotonou Council and other polling units monitored by News Central’s correspondent at press time.
News Central’s Kathleen Ndongmo said the voting process has been devoid of tension or crisis.
“The procedural conduct of this election has so far been orderly. The north remains the variable that we will be looking at very closely. Polls close at 4 pm this evening. So, between now and then, every vote cast in today’s election will answer the question that has been asked this entire week: how the country is moving forward and who will lead the people. And that is what matters to them,” said Ndongmo.
Credit: News Central TV
Voting in Benin Republic has remained orderly, with attention shifting to voter turnout in the northern region as polls continue. Voters express hope for a leadership transition that will sustain the policies of the outgoing administration. @KathleenNdongmo reports.#Bénin2026 pic.twitter.com/LSwxyt0Jm4
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) April 12, 2026
A voter who spoke to News Central on Sunday beamed with pride after casting his vote and expressed confidence in his choice of candidate.
“I feel comfortable voting and having chosen the party that I have chosen. I am really proud to be a Beninese. I am proud to have voted for the one that I voted for, and I am certain that it is he who will win because it is he who we want to govern us, in fact,” he said.
“He will continue what our former president started. He will finish everything, God willing. We will support him in continuing what our former president started.
The election is between 49-year-old Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni of the ruling party, widely regarded as outgoing President Patrice Talon’s anointed candidate, and 56-year-old Paul Hounkpè. Whoever wins will serve a five-year term, renewable once, with voters ultimately deciding whether to grant a second term.
The winner will succeed Talon, whose decade-long rule will end this year.
