2026 presidential election: Romuald Wadagni sworn in, first government at work
Elected on 12 April 2026 with 94.27% of the vote, President Romuald Wadagni was sworn in on 24 May and appointed a 24-member government the same day to deliver the « Plus loin, ensemble » programme for 2026-2033.
Published on September 14, 2026
Benin opened a new institutional cycle in 2026. Romuald Wadagni, formerly Minister of State for the Economy and Finance, won the presidential election of 12 April 2026 and has held office since 24 May for a seven-year term, the first of its kind since the 2025 constitutional revision.
A two-ticket election
Two tickets were on the ballot: Romuald Wadagni with running mate Mariam Chabi Talata, and Paul Hounkpè with Rock Judicaël Hounwanou. According to the final results proclaimed by the Constitutional Court, the Wadagni–Talata ticket won 94.27% of valid votes, on a turnout of 63.57% (50.17% in 2021).
The provisional results released by the electoral commission (CENA) on 14 April (94.05%) covered 90.55% of polling reports. Only the Constitutional Court's figures are official.
Inauguration and government
The President took the oath on Sunday 24 May 2026 at the Palais des congrès in Cotonou. That evening, decree no. 2026-314 announced the first government: 24 members, six of them women, with no Prime Minister. Mariam Chabi Talata is Vice-President of the Republic.
| Portfolio | Minister |
|---|---|
| Foreign Affairs | Corinne Amori Brunet |
| Economy and Finance | Aristide Médenou |
| Justice and Legislation | Yvon Détchénou |
| Decentralisation | Janvier Yahouédéou |
| Health | Benjamin Hounkpatin |
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which oversees the diplomatic and consular network, is now headed by Corinne Amori Brunet.
The seven-year agenda
The « Plus loin, ensemble » (“Further, together”) programme, unveiled on 21 March 2026, rests on three pillars: territorial development poles, a stronger role for the private sector and harnessing technological opportunities. The first pillar took shape in September with the territorial poles reform; the social pillar shows this school year in the expansion of school canteens.
What changes for Beninese nationals in Belgium
Nothing for now as far as your procedures are concerned: consular services continue unchanged. To understand how powers are organised, see our page on Political life and institutions and our article on the new Senate.
Sources
- Constitutional Court — Inauguration of President Romuald Wadagni
- Xinhua — Final presidential results (17 April 2026)
- Africa24 — The President appoints 24 ministers
- La Nouvelle Tribune — Full list of the first government
- La Nation — Programme presentation
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