Nearly eight million voters in Benin are voting on Sunday to choose a new president as Patrice Talon steps down after two terms in office.

Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, endorsed by the ruling coalition, is widely seen as the frontrunner. He faces opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe, in a low-key race marked by voter apathy and the absence of the main opposition party, The Democrats, which failed to secure ballot access.

Talon’s decade in office saw strong economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and rising tourism, though poverty remains above 30% and inequality is a major concern.

Security in the north, where militant activity has increased due to spillover from neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, is also a key issue.

Wadagni has promised continuity and poverty reduction, while Hounkpe has pledged political reforms, including the release of detainees described as “political prisoners.”