Benin’s National Assembly has passed a sweeping constitutional reform that extends the presidential term from five to seven years and restructures the country’s political system ahead of the 2026 general elections. The amendment, which has stirred national debate, also introduces a bicameral parliament for the first time in the country’s history.
The reform package was adopted after a decisive vote in the Assembly, where lawmakers approved the changes with a resounding 90–19 majority during the final ballot. Earlier, legislators had already crossed the mandatory three-quarters threshold—87 in favour and 22 against—required for constitutional amendments.
According to the updated Article 42, the president will now be elected for a single seven-year term, renewable only once, with an absolute cap of two terms in a lifetime. This provision reinforces Benin’s two-term limit while significantly increasing the duration of each mandate.
The amendments go far beyond the presidency. Under the revised Article 79, Benin will now operate a bicameral legislative system, adding a Senate alongside the existing National Assembly. Both chambers will share responsibility for lawmaking and oversight of government activities, a move supporters say will strengthen democratic checks and balances.
Lawmakers also approved changes affecting political parties and elected officials. Article 80 now sets the tenure of National Assembly members at seven years, renewable, while introducing a strict anti-defection clause: any deputy who leaves the party that sponsored their election will automatically lose their seat.
The newly defined Senate, as described in Article 113.1, is tasked with helping to regulate political stability and safeguarding “national unity, development, territorial defence, public security, democracy, and peace.” Its precise composition and method of selection are expected to be clarified in forthcoming legislation.
Additionally, the reform harmonizes terms across local government structures, extending the tenure of mayors and municipal councillors to seven years, also renewable.
In total, the constitutional revision introduces 15 new articles and amends 18 others, marking one of the most extensive political restructurings in Benin since the return to multi-party democracy. Government officials argue that the changes will promote continuity and strengthen institutions, while critics warn that longer terms could dilute electoral accountability as the 2026 elections approach.
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Source:Africa Publicity
