Businessman Talon wins Benin Presidential election

Businessman Patrice Talon has been elected President after winning the the second round of Benin's presidential election. His opponent and incumbent Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou acknowledged prior to the release of official results.

"The provisional results point to a decisive victory for Patrice Talon," Zinsou told the AFP news agency after Sunday's runoff vote.

"The difference is significant, [Talon's] electoral victory is certain. I have called Patrice Talon this evening to congratulate him on his victory, wish him good luck and put myself at his disposal to prepare for the handover."

Benin Republic's President Thomas Boni Yayi is leaving office after serving a maximum two five-year terms. He had not attempted to remain in power, marking him out from many African leaders who have tried to change their country's constitution to stay in power. 

Benin's electoral commission is expected to announce provisional results at some time on Monday, Zinsou said.

The 61-year-old came out top in the first round of elections held on March 6 with 27.1 percent of the vote, compared to 23.5 percent for Talon.

The prime minister, who was a candidate for Boni Yayi's Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin (FCBE), was seen as the frontrunner with the support of most members of parliament.

But Talon, a 57-year-old entrepreneur who made his money in cotton and running Cotonou's port, billed himself as the authentic Beninese candidate and repeatedly attacked his opponent's dual French nationality. 

Zinsou's hope of becoming Presideny took a knock when 24 of the 32 other candidates who stood in the first round came out in support of the businessman. Perhaps even most important was the decision of Sebastien Ajavon to back Talon. Ajavon had finished third after winning 22 percent of votes in the first round of voting.