Benin will hold its presidential run-off elections on March 20.

The second round of voting will pit Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou against businessman Patrice Talon, the government announced.

The two are competing to replace outgoing president Yayi Boni, whose second term ends on April 6.

Zinzou, supported by the incumbent president, won the first round of voting by garnering 23 percent of the vote ahead of Talon who managed 24.8 percent.

The election attracted 33 candidates.

Talon has gained the backing of 24 of the defeated candidates, among them Sebastien Ajavon who garnered about 23 percent of the vote.