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Home News Benin Extends Presidential Term to Seven Years in Major Constitutional Overhaul

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Benin Extends Presidential Term to Seven Years in Major Constitutional Overhaul

West Africa WeeklyNovember 18, 20251 Mins read1.4k

Benin has approved a sweeping constitutional reform that extends the presidential mandate from five to seven years, marking one of the most significant political shifts in the country’s recent history. The amendment, adopted late on November 15 by the National Assembly, is being presented by authorities as a move to strengthen institutional stability and allow more time for long-term public policies to take effect.

Under the new framework, the presidential term will now run for seven years and remain limited to two terms. Lawmakers also voted to create a Senate, a new upper chamber tasked with safeguarding national unity and reviewing legislation passed by the House of Representatives.

The reform goes beyond the presidency. The terms of deputies, mayors and local councillors have all been extended to seven years. A new anti-defection clause was also introduced, stipulating that any elected official who switches political parties automatically loses their seat. Supporters say the measure is intended to curb political instability and prevent the frequent party-hopping that has marked Benin’s political landscape.

The revision was approved by a vote of 90 to 19 after hours of debate. It is set to take effect following the presidential election scheduled for April 2026.

President Patrice Talon is currently serving his second and final mandate, and the reform comes as the country prepares for a significant political transition. While the government describes the changes as necessary to consolidate democratic institutions, critics argue that the amendments could reshape the political balance and impact the dynamics of the upcoming election.

Benin, once praised as a model of democracy in West Africa, now enters a new phase as the extended timelines for political officeholders begin to take shape.