Benin court confirms President Talon's re-election

Benin's constitutional court on Wednesday confirmed President Patrice Talon's re-election with 86% of votes from a poll boycotted by several opposition parties. Turnout was nearly 51%, the court said. The election was marked by violence sparked by objections to Talon's decision to run for a second term, and electoral laws that led to the exclusion of leading opponents from the race.

Benin's constitutional court on Wednesday confirmed President Patrice Talon's re-election with 86% of votes from a poll boycotted by several opposition parties. Talon's nearest challenger, former government minister Alassane Soumanou, received 11% in the April 11 vote. Turnout was nearly 51%, the court said.

The election was marked by violence sparked by objections to Talon's decision to run for a second term, and electoral laws that led to the exclusion of leading opponents from the race.