Benin: Constitutional Court validates Talon's victory

Benin’s constitutional court has validated the victory of Patrice Talon in the country’s presidential runoff.

The cotton business magnate was backed by other opposition candidates who who could not make it to the second round.

The court confirmed that Patrice Talon won 65.39 percent of the votes to beat Prime Minister Lionel Zinzou who quickly accepted defeat.

Benin Constit court 25March confirmed victory of Patrice Talon w/2.03million votes ie 65.37% as Presi-elect. Presi Boni term ends 6April

— Aisha Dabo™ (@mashanubian) March 26, 2016

The court’s figures are in conformity with those announced by the electoral commission.

According to President of Benin’s Constitutional court, Patrice Talon won the necessary majority in the runoff to be recognised as president.

Patrice Talon will take the oath of office on the April 6. He has promised to select ministers based on merit.

Talon will take over from Thomas Boni Yayi who decided to step down after completing his two terms.

The peaceful election has been hailed by many observers who have saluted the maturity of the West African country’s democracy.

AFP