Talon, a cotton magnate first elected in 2016, is heavily favoured to win a second term.
The 62-year-old faces off against two little-known rivals, Alassane Soumanou and Corentin Kohoue.
Benin was long praised as a thriving multi-party democracy, but critics say Talon has steered the country into authoritarianism with a steady crackdown on his opponents.
At least two people died in the central city of Save when troops on Thursday fired tear gas and live rounds to break up protesters who had blocked a major highway. Five others were wounded.
Benin’s President Patrice Talon denies targeting his opponents [File: Philippe Wojazer/Reuters]Among the protesters’ complaints are Talon’s U-turn on a pledge he made as a candidate in 2016 to serve only one term, and changes he pushed through to election laws that he said were aimed at streamlining unwieldy government institutions.
Opposition sidelined as Benin votes in presidential election
msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Manifestation contre la prolongation du mandat du Chef de l Etat:Le poste de péage de Sirarou vandalisé
actubenin.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from actubenin.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.