Benin held its presidential election on Sunday, with vote counting underway as the West African nation prepares to select a successor to President Patrice Talon, who has served the maximum two five-year terms since taking office in 2016.

The election comes just four months after the country experienced a failed coup attempt, adding significance to the peaceful transfer of power. Talon, a businessman who transitioned into politics, is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term.

The country's finance minister has emerged as the leading candidate in the race, with multiple sources indicating he is positioned to win the election. The candidate previously worked as an executive at consulting firm Deloitte before entering government service.

The election has been characterized by observers as having a predictable outcome rather than being a competitive contest. Benin, located in West Africa, has maintained relative political stability compared to some regional neighbors that have experienced recent coups and political upheaval.

Vote counting began immediately following the close of polls, with official results expected in the coming days. The new president will take office for a five-year term, continuing Benin's democratic governance structure established in its constitution.