Benin’s top court has upheld the outcome of last weekend’s presidential vote, sealing a commanding win for Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni.

In its ruling on Thursday, the Benin Constitutional Court confirmed Wadagni secured 94.27% of ballots cast in Sunday’s election. His lone challenger, Paul Hounkpè, trailed far behind with 5.73%, while turnout was recorded at 63.57%. The court noted that the opposition has a five-day window to contest the outcome before final certification.

The scale of the result had been widely anticipated. Wadagni, 49, is closely aligned with outgoing President Patrice Talon, whose backing loomed large over the race as he prepares to step down after a decade in power. Talon’s administration has faced persistent criticism from opponents who argue that political space has been tightened in the run-up to the vote.

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One of the most prominent exclusions was Renaud Agbodjo of the Democrats, the leading opposition party. He was blocked from entering the race after failing to obtain parliamentary endorsement required under a recently introduced law, a measure critics say effectively sidelined key challengers.

With the election settled, attention is shifting to the security landscape. Wadagni inherits a fragile northern frontier where insurgent activity has been on the rise. The country also remains on edge after a group of soldiers staged an unsuccessful attempt to unseat Talon last year.

READ ALSO: Benin election opens new political chapter as Talon departs power