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Outgoing Benin Republic President, Patrice Talon, has expressed optimism about the country’s future, declaring that “the best is yet to come” as voters head to the polls in a presidential election to choose his successor.
Talon made the remarks on Sunday after casting his vote, reflecting on his time in office and the country’s prospects.
“For me, the best is yet to come,” he said.
“I have seen our country at work; I have seen the administrative officials in charge; I have observed how much talent exists, how much will exists, and how much expertise exists.”
He added, “Everything that is useful, necessary, and indispensable… and sometimes even everything that is sufficient to go far. I want to reassure everyone that the best is yet to come for Benin.”
“I can assure you that whoever wins the election…they will lead the country even further…”
Patrice Talon, President of Benin Republic, has expressed optimism about Benin’s future, saying the country has strong administrative capacity, skilled leadership, and sufficient… pic.twitter.com/Wn1G3sP9Zk
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) April 12, 2026
The president, who is stepping down after completing two terms, also spoke about his role after leaving office.
“I will remain a citizen. I will remain a former president. I will remain a figure upon whom there will always be a certain level of attention,” he stated.
“You see, former presidents… in the African community, they always have a role as a patriarch, as a wise elder… I can assure you that whoever wins the election… the campaign is over… if our prayers are answered, they will lead the country even further.”
Voting is ongoing across the country, with nearly eight million registered voters expected to participate in the exercise.
The race is widely seen as favouring Finance Minister, Romuald Wadagni, who is backed by the ruling coalition and is credited with overseeing a decade of economic growth despite ongoing security challenges in the country.
He is being challenged by opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe, whose campaign has remained relatively low-key.
The outcome of the election will determine Talon’s successor as Benin charts its next political and economic direction.
