Benin PM concedes defeat in presidential election

COTONOU, Benin

Benin Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou has conceded defeat to Patrice Talon in Sunday’s presidential elections.

"I called Patrice Talon to congratulate him on his victory and wished him luck," Zinsou posted on his Facebook page Monday.

"I will speak to the press to thank my electors after the CENA [local electoral commission] will announce the results,” Zinsou added.

Benin’s electoral commission will formally announce the result of the election later Monday, a source close to the commission told Anadolu Agency.

Talon, 57, a businessman received support of most other opposition candidates.

Zinsou, who was appointed to the prime minister slot only last year, was backed by outgoing President Thomas Boni Yayi.

The voter turnout was 65 percent out of the 4.7 million people eligible to cast their ballots Sunday, according to the country’s election commission.

Zinsou had topped the first round of the election on March 6 with 28.4 percent votes, while Talon received 24.8 percent votes.