Voting in Benin’s presidential election began on a slow note on Sunday, as voters gradually turned out across polling units to elect a successor to outgoing President Patrice Talon.
The process was monitored by the ECOWAS Observation Mission led by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who visited several polling centres in Cotonou.
At polling unit EPP 03 in the Cadjehoun area, election officials reported arriving as early as 5:00 a.m., with the first vote cast at about 7:20 a.m. by a 68-year-old voter. The unit has a total of 580 registered voters. Similarly, at another polling centre in the Zongo district, only two voters had cast their ballots by 7:40 a.m. despite preparations being completed on time.
Observers noted the presence of security personnel at the polling centres visited, although there was an absence of party agents in some locations during the early hours.
Preliminary reports from the 125 observers deployed across the country also indicated a generally slow start to voting. Election officials suggested that turnout could improve later in the day, as some voters may attend church services before heading to the polls.
Despite the slow turnout, the ECOWAS mission described the process as peaceful and well-organised, while noting low voter enthusiasm in the early stages.
The election features key contenders including Romuald Wadagni of the ruling coalition and Paul Hounkpè of the opposition Cowry Forces.
According to the national electoral commission, about 7.8 million registered voters are expected to participate in the election across more than 17,000 polling centres both within the country and in the diaspora.
The ECOWAS delegation is expected to continue its monitoring activities throughout the day, including observing the closing of polls and collation process.
