Benin’s National Autonomous Electoral Commission (CENA) has officially released the timeline for the country’s 2026 general elections, signaling the start of preparations for what authorities hope will be a transparent and inclusive electoral process. The announcement was made on Tuesday in Cotonou by CENA President Sacca Lafia, during a formal ceremony attended by representatives from political parties, government ministries, electoral institutions, the media, and civil society organizations.
The released dual-phase electoral calendar outlines key dates for both the presidential and legislative polls, allowing political stakeholders, candidates, and voters sufficient time to organize and participate effectively. The calendar release comes amid calls for strengthened electoral integrity and improved logistical planning, following past concerns about voter access and procedural transparency. Authorities say consultations will continue with political actors and international observers to fine-tune logistics and funding, with voter registration and electoral education campaigns scheduled to begin in the coming months.
The 2026 elections are expected to test the resilience of Benin’s democratic institutions, especially as the country moves forward under President Patrice Talon’s reform agenda, which has emphasized governance efficiency and institutional accountability. CENA pledged to uphold its constitutional mandate of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, and has called on all stakeholders to commit to peaceful and responsible participation in the electoral process.
