In Pictures: Benin Begins Counting Election Ballots

Electoral officials in Cotonou and Porto-Novo have begun manual counting of ballots from Benin’s presidential election held on April 12.

Early collation sheets indicate voters chose between Romuald Wadagni, 49, of the ruling party, and Paul Hounkpè, 56, of the opposition.

News Central’s correspondent, Kathleen Ndongmo, reported that due to the absence of biometric verification systems, such as BVAS, officials are using manual voter identification processes.

Benin’s presidential election. Credit: NC News

Only two candidates appeared on the ballot. The Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA) declared three other candidates, Renaud Agbodjo, Prince Anatole Ouinsavi, and Élisabeth Agbossaga, inadmissible in October 2025.

Benin’s presidential election. Credit: NC News

Nearly eight million registered voters are eligible to cast ballots in the election to replace President Patrice Talon, who is stepping down after two five-year terms.

Talon has endorsed Wadagni, the country’s Finance Minister, as his successor.

If no candidate secures more than 50 percent of valid votes cast, a second round will be held on May 10.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.