Benin Republic extends presidential term to seven years ahead of 2026 elections

Benin Republic Extends Presidential Term to Seven Years Ahead of 2026 Elections: A Comprehensive Report

In a landmark constitutional reform, the Republic of Benin has officially extended its presidential term from five to seven years, a significant political development that comes just months before the country’s next presidential election scheduled for 2026.

This decision was ratified during a plenary session of the National Assembly held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Palace of the Governors in Porto-Novo. The amendment was passed with overwhelming support, as 90 deputies voted in favor while 19 opposed the motion.

The reform required a three-quarters majority to pass, a threshold that was met during a preliminary vote with 87 votes in favor and 22 against, in accordance with Article 154 of the Constitution.

The constitutional amendment modifies Article 42 of the 1990 Constitution, which had previously been revised in 2019. Under the new provision, the President of the Republic will now be elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of seven years, renewable only once.

The revised article explicitly states that no individual may serve more than two presidential terms in their lifetime, thereby maintaining the two-term limit despite the extension in duration. This change also applies to local governance, as the terms for mayors and municipal councillors have similarly been extended to seven years.

This reform introduces a bicameral legislative system for the first time in Benin’s history, establishing a Senate to complement the existing National Assembly.

The creation of a bicameral parliament is seen as a structural shift aimed at enhancing legislative oversight and governance. However, the move has sparked debate within and outside the country, with critics expressing concern over the timing and potential implications for democratic consolidation.

President Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2016 and is currently serving his second term, has publicly reiterated that he will not seek a third term. His stance is consistent with the newly amended constitutional provision limiting presidential tenure.

Nonetheless, the timing of the amendment, so close to the 2026 elections, has raised questions among political observers and civil society groups about its broader political motivations and potential impact on the democratic process.

Benin, a West African nation often cited as a model of democratic stability in the region, has experienced increasing political tension in recent years. The 2019 constitutional revision and subsequent electoral reforms were met with criticism for allegedly restricting political competition.

The latest amendment, while preserving the two-term limit, is viewed by some as a consolidation of power that could influence the political landscape for years to come.

The government has defended the reform as a necessary step toward strengthening institutions and ensuring more effective governance.

Proponents argue that a longer presidential term allows for the implementation of long-term development policies without the disruption of frequent electoral cycles.

They also highlight the introduction of the Senate as a means to improve legislative balance and representation.

As Benin approaches its 2026 presidential elections, the implications of this constitutional change will be closely monitored both domestically and internationally.

The coming months are expected to be pivotal in determining whether the reforms will enhance democratic governance or deepen political polarization in the country.