COTONOU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Paul Hounkpe, candidate of the opposition Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin, has conceded defeat in the first round of Benin's presidential election and congratulated his rival, Romuald Wadagni of the ruling coalition, according to a statement issued on Monday.
"Dear compatriots, at the end of a decisive election day for the future of our nation, and in light of the major trends emerging from the gradual compilation of results, it appears that a lead is taking shape in favor of the Wadagni-Talata ticket," Hounkpe said.
"I would like, with deep emotion, to extend my most sincere thanks to all our activists, supporters and backers. Their strong, spontaneous and determined mobilization around our social project reflects the vitality of our collective commitment," he added.
He also congratulated Wadagni, the finance minister and candidate of the ruling coalition, saying that "democracy requires mutual respect and rising above partisan divides."
According to the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA), preliminary results of Sunday's presidential election are expected to be announced on Tuesday.
The CENA said nearly eight million Beninese were registered to vote across more than 17,000 polling stations nationwide and abroad. The vote will elect a successor to President Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2016. ■