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Lionel Zinsou

Benin PM concedes defeat after run-off

Benin's outgoing Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou has conceded defeat to businessman Patrice Talon in Sunday's presidential run-off.

Mr Zinsou posted on Facebook that he had called Mr Talon to congratulate him "on his victory and wish him luck".

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President Thomas Boni Yayi is stepping down after two terms.

Mr Talon, known as the "king of cotton", used to be his close ally but was accused of masterminding a plot to poison him in 2012.

The electoral commission is expected to announce provisional results later on Monday.

"The provisional results point to a decisive victory for Patrice Talon," Mr Zinsou told the AFP news agency by telephone.

"The difference is significant, electoral victory is certain."

This is a turnaround from the first round vote last month when Mr Talon came slightly behind Mr Zinsou with 25% compared to his 28%.

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The West African nation introduced multi-party democracy in 1990 after nearly two decades of military rule - the first to do so in sub-Saharan Africa.

 

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