Benin Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is expected to make the leap from behind-the-scenes technocrat to head of state in a presidential election, as he is the strong favourite in a turbulent north African election. The 49-year-old former Deloitte executive has spent the past decade implementing the economic agenda of outgoing president Patrice Talon, who is barred from running again due to constitutional term limits. His campaign includes achievements such as tripling the national budget and posting the highest GDP growth rates in over two decades. Wadaggi has proposed creating new development hubs across the country to distribute industrial and tourism investments and expanding access to health care. His victory is all but guaranteed against Paul Hounkpe of the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin party.