Benin has taken a major step in its political life with the adoption by the National Assembly of a constitutional revision that profoundly alters its institutional system. The reform, described as “historic” by some observers, extends the president's term and creates a Senate.

Extension of the presidential and legislative term

The reform extends the presidential term from five to seven years , while remaining limited to two terms. The terms of members of the National Assembly and local elected officials (mayors and councilors) are also extended to seven years. The National Assembly adopted the text by a vote of 90 to 19 during a late-night session. The reform must now be reviewed by the Constitutional Court before its official promulgation. The provisions will come into effect after the presidential election scheduled for April 2026 .

Creation of a Senate

The Beninese Parliament has become bicameral with the establishment of an upper house, the Senate, composed of approximately 25 to 30 members. This new institution will include both ex officio senators (former presidents and heads of institutions) and appointed members. The maximum age for serving is set at 85 .

The Senate's main missions will be to regulate political life , ensure national unity, democracy, peace, and public safety. It will also be able to request a second reading of laws passed by the National Assembly, except for certain laws such as finance bills.

The challenges of the reform

The move to a longer presidential term and a bicameral parliament aims to strengthen institutional stability and give presidents more time to implement their programs. However, some observers believe these changes could concentrate power and limit the frequency of presidential transitions. The creation of the Senate could also allow former presidents and those close to the government to retain political influence after their term.

An additional provision specifies that any MP leaving the party that nominated him for election automatically loses his mandate , thus strengthening discipline within political parties.

Reactions and perspectives

While the current president, Patrice Talon, has announced he will not seek another term, the reform is seen by some as a way to structure his political legacy. The opposition, for its part, expresses reservations, fearing that these measures will weaken checks and balances.

The effective implementation of the Senate and the monitoring of the new rules will be crucial in measuring the real impact of this reform on Beninese democracy.