Patrice Talon sworn in as Benin president
Xinhua, April 7, 2016 Adjust font size:
Patrice Talon was sworn in as Benin's new president on Wednesday in the country's political capital of Porto-Novo after winning last month's elections.
In a brief inauguration speech, the cotton tycoon vowed to fullfil his popular campaign promise to change the constitution so Benin presidents serve just one term.
"Should I fail to honor this oath, we face the rigour of the law," said Talon, who succeeded outgoing President Yayi Boni, whose second term of office ended on Wednesday.
Talon won the presidential runoff by obtaining 65.37 percent of votes on March 20, soundly defeating his challenger, outgoing Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou, who took 34.61 percent.
Talon says he intends to carry major political reforms regarding the constitutional and supreme courts.
The new president promised that the national defense forces will strengthen ties with their public security counterparts as part of the fight against terrorism and cross-border crimes. Endi