France, Aug. 7 -- As the sole candidate for the institution's presidency, Patrice Talon secured 24 out of 25 votes, with one blank ballot and no votes against - a result reflecting "a desire for unanimity" regarding the leadership team, according to one senator.

"The provisional bureau declares Mr. Patrice Talon President of the Senate," announced the presiding officer, Charles Toko, as he proclaimed the results.

The vote was held behind closed doors and by secret ballot.

Talon is therefore returning to politics in Benin via the Senate, a move many had predicted when he revised the Constitution last year.

"I will give my very best," he declared immediately after his election. "Over the past few days, we have all experienced an extraor...