Romuald Wadagni and Mariam Chabi Talata, the presidential duo for Benin’s 2026 election, officially submitted their candidacy file to the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA) on Monday, October 13.
This marks a significant step in the electoral process as the duo moves forward in their bid to continue the governance initiated by the current regime.
Having been invested as the presidential candidates on October 4 in Parakou, the duo waited until the fourth day of the official electoral calendar, which began on October 10, to complete the necessary paperwork.
Their arrival at the CENA office was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from their supporters, many of whom traveled to show solidarity with the candidates.
This public display reflected a strong desire for the continuity of the current leadership’s vision for Benin.
Following the submission, the Wadagni-Talata team’s file underwent an initial verification process and passed all necessary requirements.
As a result, they were issued a provisional receipt, pending final approval. Representatives from all of the major political parties backing the presidential movement were present, including the Republican Bloc (BR) led by Abdoulaye Bio Tchané, the Movement of Elites Committed to the Emancipation of Benin (Moele-Bénin), represented by Jacques Ayadji, National Renaissance (RN) led by Claudine Prudencio, and the Progressive Union for Renewal (UPR).
Although the candidates did not make any formal statements following the submission, their political supporters took the floor.
Romaric Ogouwalé, spokesperson for the Republican Bloc, called the event “an important moment in the democratic life of the country,” emphasizing that the candidacy is a “continuation of stability, shared progress, and the strengthening of national cohesion.”
He reiterated the duo’s commitment to pursuing “economic and social development in serenity and respect for institutions.”
Claudine Prudencio’s party, Renaissance Nationale, voiced its unwavering support, with Akintola Mohamed Awali affirming that they would stand by the Wadagni-Talata team “day and night” to ensure their vision becomes reality.
He stressed the importance of maintaining mobilization in the lead-up to the election.
Marie-Noëlle Omolara Paraïso, vice-president of Moele-Bénin, hailed the candidacy as “a first step towards victory,” adding that the provisional validation was a “premise of the victory of the Beninese people.”
Finally, Orden Alladatin, a deputy from the Progressive Union for Renewal, emphasized the unity surrounding the candidacy, declaring, “This candidate no longer belongs to us, he is that of all of Benin.”
With the deadline for candidacy submissions fast approaching on Tuesday, October 14, CENA continues to review the applications it has received. This moment of submission has already solidified the Wadagni-Talata duo’s position as a central force in Benin’s 2026 presidential race, with political unity and anticipation building as the election campaign intensifies.
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