Vote counting in Benin after election marked by violent protests By Allegresse Sasse and Noel Tadegnon Benin votes for president after week of violent protests in Cotonou COTONOU (Reuters) -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 multi-millionaire 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. Voter turnout was low compared to previous elections, and there were widespread problems in identifying or registering voters, a group of civil society organisations monitoring the election said in a statement.