The 2026 presidential election in Benin took place within an evolving constitutional and electoral framework shaped by recent reforms, which provided the legal and institutional basis for the conduct of the election.
The joint election observation mission of WAEON and WADEMOS commends the generally peaceful, orderly, and procedurally sound conduct of the April 12, 2026, presidential election in Benin. In the polling stations observed, voting and counting were carried out in line with the Electoral Code, with timely opening in most locations, adequate materials, proper staffing, and no incidents of violence or intimidation.
The mission encourages the Electoral Management Body, civil society organisations, and relevant State institutions to intensify targeted civic and voter education programmes. These efforts should focus on improving citizen awareness, addressing apathy, and strengthening confidence in the electoral process, particularly among first-time voters.
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