Newly-elected Benin president pledges constitutional reforms

Benin’s newly elected president Patrice Talon, has vowed to undertake constitutional reforms in the West African country.

Talon who was confirmed by the country’s constitutional court as the winner of a presidential election runoff on Friday said there is need for major national reforms so as to aid with the development of the country.

‘‘I want to reassure each and every one of you that we have what it takes to bring change, the most important will be competence. The government under my care will lay emphasis on competence,” Talon said.

Talon, a shrewd businessman has also pledged to resolve the country’s growing domestic debt and create a friendly environment to attract more investors.

Talon won the 20th March poll runoff with 65.39 percent of the vote beating outgoing Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou, who garnered 34.61 percent.

He will replace outgoing president Thomas Boni Yayi in April who had been barred by the constitution from running for a third term in office.

Talon is also seeking to have 16 members in his regime, down from the 28 members of the current government.

AFP, Reuters