Benin counts votes after election marked by boycott and violent protests Voter turnout low and observers report ballot box stuffing and intimidation ‘almost everywhere’ 11 April 2021 - 23:52 Allegresse Sasse and Noel Tadegnon Benin President Patrice Talon greets supporters after casting his ballot at a polling station in Cotonou, Benin, April 11 2021. Picture: REUTERS/CHARLE PLACIDE Cotonou — Vote counting began in Benin on Sunday in a presidential poll that was boycotted by some opposition parties over violence triggered by objections to President Patrice Talon's quest for a second five-year mandate. Talon, a multimillionaire cotton magnate who touts strong economic growth under his leadership, is accused by his opponents of undermining Benin's standing as one of West Africa's most stable democracies.