Benin’s National Assembly has passed a sweeping constitutional reform that extends the presidential term from five to seven years while preserving a two-term limit, and establishes a new Senate, marking a major restructuring of the country’s political system.
Key Changes Passed
- The amendment was approved by 90 votes in favor, with 19 against.
- Article 42 of the constitution has been revised to state that the President “is elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of seven years, renewable only once.”
- The two-term limit remains intact — “No one may, in his lifetime, serve more than two terms as President.”
- Deputies in the National Assembly will now also serve seven-year terms, with provisions that any member who leaves the party that nominated them automatically loses their mandate.
Creation of the Senate
- The reform establishes a bicameral legislature, adding a Senate alongside the National Assembly.
- The Senate is expected to comprise 25–30 members, including former heads of state, ex-officio political actors, and presidential appointees.
- Under the new Article 113.1, the Senate is tasked with regulating political life and safeguarding “national unity, democracy, development, territorial defence, public security, and peace.”
- The body holds the power to request a second reading of laws passed by the National Assembly, though it will not review finance laws.
Broader Implications & Reactions
- The constitutional changes come ahead of Benin’s 2026 presidential election, scheduled for April.
- Outgoing President Patrice Talon, who will complete his second term next April, will not run again under the new rules.
- Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, a close ally of Talon, is widely seen as the front-runner for the 2026 race.
- Opposition lawmakers have voiced concern, accusing the process of reinforcing Talon’s influence even after he leaves office. One opposition figure argued that the Senate could allow Talon to maintain significant post-presidential power.
- The reform must still be ratified by Benin’s Constitutional Court before it comes into effect.
Significance
This move represents a notable shift in Benin’s governance architecture, potentially strengthening political stability but raising questions about democratic balance and long-term checks on executive power. The introduction of a Senate and longer terms for both the executive and legislature may reshape how politics and power function in the country, especially as key players position themselves for the upcoming election.
