President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Patrice Talon on his election as President of the Republic of Benin.

On March 21, businessman Patrice Talon was declared winner of a presidential run-off in Benin. Mr. Talon got 65 percent of the votes while his challenger, Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou secured 35 percent. Mr. Zinsou, conceded defeat.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Sirleaf, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in her own name, extended to H. E. Mr. Talon heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the recently held democratic process which led to his election as President of the Republic of Benin.

The Liberian leader applauded the people of Benin for the peaceful conduct of the elections which, she said, marked a great and significant victory for democracy in Benin and Africa at large.

As Mr. Talon assumes the leadership of his country shortly, President Sirleaf hoped that relations between Liberia and Benin will continue to be strengthened in the spirit of African solidarity in their desire to sustain democracy, peace, economic integration, and security within the framework of ECOWAS and the African Union.

She prayed that as Mr. Talon transitions to this all important office, the Almighty God will endow him with abundant wisdom and strength to lead his people to higher heights.

Meanwhile, the Liberian leader also sent a message of congratulations to her counterpart, H.E. Mr. Thomas Boni Yayi, President of the Republic of Benin, for the successful conduct of the presidential and general elections.

In her message to H.E. Mr. Boni Yayi, President Sirleaf extended, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in her own name, warmest congratulations for the successful holding of his country’s general elections under his able leadership.

The Liberian leader saw the elections as a great step towards democracy in that country. “The elections mark a great victory for democracy in Benin and Africa as a whole,” she said, adding, that the announcement of the outcome of the elections is a clear manifestation of President Yayi’s strong commitment to democratic values and the principles which he has personally nurtured for the many years as President of Benin.

The Liberian leader indicated that President Boni Yayi’s efforts to facilitate constitutional transition and his show of tolerance and patriotism during Benin’s elections bring pride not only to the people of Benin but to the entire continent of Africa which will forever be remembered not only as a good leader, but also as a nationalist who placed the stability and future of his country above all personal interests.