Benin extends presidential term to seven years, creates senate in major political shake-up
The newly created Senate will include at least 25 members, drawn from sitting MPs, presidential appointees, and ex officio members such as former presidents.
Benin's parliament has passed a constitutional amendment extending the presidential term from five to seven years and establishing an upper chamber of parliament.
The decision, announced on Saturday, was approved on Friday during a plenary session at the Palace of Governors in Porto-Novo, with 90 MPs voting in favour and 19 against. The presidential term limit remained unchanged at two terms.
The proposal first underwent a preliminary vote requiring a three-quarters majority, which MPs met with 87 in favour and 22 against, clearing the way for the final secret ballot.
"The Deputies of the 9th Legislature... adopted by 90 votes for and 19 against, the law modifying the Constitution of the Republic of Bénin," said the Assemblée Nationale du Bénin in a Facebook post on Saturday.
The newly created Senate will include at least 25 members, drawn from sitting MPs, presidential appointees, and ex officio members such as former presidents.
"Beyond this major change, Parliament—under the amended Article 79—exercises legislative power and oversees government action. It is now composed of two chambers: the National Assembly and the Senate," added the Assemblée Nationale du Bénin.
MPs also approved seven-year renewable terms for deputies, specifying that anyone who leaves the party that nominated them would automatically lose their seat.
"The term of office for deputies is 7 years, renewable. Any deputy who resigns and thereby ceases to be a member of the party that sponsored them for the legislative election loses their mandate," said Benin's Parliament.
According to MPs, the reforms are aimed at strengthening governance and providing a more balanced system of oversight.
The amendment comes as Benin prepares for a major leadership change, signalling a significant shift in the country’s political system and shaping the next chapter of its democracy.
President Patrice Talon, who has led Benin for ten years, is set to leave office next April, with Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni—widely seen as Talon's chosen successor—emerging as the leading candidate for the upcoming election.
Top Stories Today
