• Reform extends presidential, parliamentary, and local mandates to seven years

• New Senate created with members of right and appointed members

• Reform adopted with divided vote ahead of 2026 general elections

Benin’s National Assembly adopted a new revision of the 1990 Constitution during the night of November 14 to November 15. The most significant change concerns the presidential term, now set at seven years and renewable once.

The reform also establishes a bicameral Parliament with the creation of a Senate. This chamber will be responsible for regulating political life, safeguarding national unity, public security, and peace. It will be able to review laws passed by the National Assembly, request a second reading of legislative proposals, and intervene in situations deemed critical for the stability of the state.

The Senate will include members of right, such as former presidents of the Republic, the National Assembly, and the Constitutional Court, as well as former chiefs of staff of the defense and security forces. Appointed members will complete the roster, designated by the president of the Republic and the president of the National Assembly, without exceeding one-fifth of the total membership. The chamber is expected to have between 25 and 30 senators, with age limits introduced to support the renewal of its leadership.

The terms of members of Parliament and municipal councilors will also increase to seven years, renewable. Any resignation by a member of Parliament from his party will now lead to the automatic loss of his seat, a measure intended to reduce political mobility. All provisions will take effect starting with the 2026 general elections.

The reform did not secure unanimous support in the National Assembly. It was adopted with 90 votes in favor and 19 against, following an initial consideration approved by 87 votes to 22. Reactions on social media remain mixed. Some view the reform as a stabilizing step, while others criticize the length of the presidential term and warn against potential concentration of power and a Senate with limited democratic legitimacy, as most members will not be elected.

Benin has a strong reputation for governance and political stability. In its 2025 Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) report, the World Bank awarded the country a score of 3.9 out of 6, one of the highest in West Africa, reflecting sound economic management and institutional continuity. The International Monetary Fund highlights Benin’s resilience to external shocks and the strength of its fiscal and social reforms.

The next presidential election is scheduled for April 2026. Two candidate duos have qualified: the ruling majority’s ticket of Romuald Wadagni for president and Mariam Chabi Talata for vice president, and the FCBE ticket led by Paul Hounkpè and Rock Judicaël Hounwanou.