PORTO-NOVO, Benin (BN24)—The National Assembly of Benin has approved a landmark constitutional reform extending the presidential term from five to seven years and establishing a bicameral legislature, a move seen as a significant shift in the West African nation’s political framework.
The reform was passed during a plenary session at the Palace of the Governors in Porto-Novo, where 90 deputies voted in favor and 19 opposed. The measure amends the Constitution of December 11, 1990, which was previously revised in 2019.
“The Deputies of the 9th Legislature… adopted by 90 votes for and 19 against, the law modifying the Constitution of the Republic of Bénin,” the Assembly said in a statement shared on Facebook. The post, originally published in French, was translated into English for reporting purposes.
Before the final secret ballot, deputies had secured a three-quarters majority in a preliminary vote, with 87 votes in favor and 22 against. According to the Assembly, the constitutional reform introduces 15 new articles and amends 18 existing ones, reflecting broad structural changes to the nation’s governance system.
A central feature of the reform is the amended Article 42, which now stipulates that “The President of the Republic is elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of seven years, renewable only once. No one may, in his or her lifetime, serve more than two terms as President of the Republic.” This change effectively extends the maximum tenure of a president from ten to 14 years, altering the rhythm of national elections and potentially reshaping political competition in the country.
In addition, the reform establishes a Senate as outlined in the updated Article 79, creating a bicameral parliament alongside the existing National Assembly. Both chambers will exercise legislative authority and hold oversight powers over government actions, providing an additional layer of checks and balances. The Senate is formally defined under Article 113.1 as a body responsible for regulating political life and safeguarding national unity, development, territorial defense, public security, democracy, and peace.
Article 80 also revises the tenure of deputies, setting their terms at seven years, renewable, and adding a clause that any deputy who resigns from the political party that sponsored them during elections will automatically lose their mandate. This provision aims to strengthen party cohesion and prevent political defection.
Local governance structures are affected as well. The reform extends the tenure of mayors and municipal councilors to seven years, renewable, aligning local electoral cycles with national legislative and presidential terms.
The constitutional overhaul has sparked debate within Benin and across the region. Supporters argue that the changes provide political stability and continuity, while critics warn that longer terms for elected officials could concentrate power and weaken democratic accountability. Observers note that the introduction of a bicameral legislature could create both opportunities for more rigorous legislative scrutiny and challenges in political coordination.
The reform marks one of the most significant adjustments to Benin’s political structure in decades, underscoring the evolving nature of governance in the country and its efforts to balance executive authority with legislative oversight.
Credit: PUNCH.COM
