The Economic Community of West African States has named former Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as Head of its Electoral Observation Mission for the upcoming presidential election in Benin, scheduled for April 12, 2026.
The appointment, announced by the ECOWAS Commission, underscores the bloc’s commitment to strengthening democracy, good governance, and stability across the region.
According to ECOWAS, the observer mission will be deployed from April 7 to 15, in line with the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001), which guides electoral observation in member states.
The election follows legislative polls held earlier in January 2026. Incumbent President Patrice Talon, who has served since 2016, will not contest, having completed his constitutionally mandated two terms.
Two candidates are in the race: Romuald Wadagni, backed by the ruling coalition, and Paul Hounkpè.
Benin’s presidential election follows a two-round system, with a runoff scheduled within 15 days if no candidate secures an outright majority in the first round.
Source: citinews
