The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as Head of the Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) for the presidential election in the Republic of Benin, scheduled for April 12, 2026.
This appointment, announced by the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission, reflects the Community’s ongoing commitment to promoting democracy, good governance, and regional stability.
In a post on Facebook dated Friday, March 27, ECOWAS said the mission will be deployed from April 7 to 15, 2026, in accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001), which provides the legal and regulatory framework for electoral observation missions in the region.
Benin’s presidential election, scheduled on 12 April 2026, follows national legislative elections earlier in January 2026.
The current president, Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2016, is stepping down after serving his second and final term and will not seek re‑election.
Two main candidates are officially eligible to run: Romuald Wadagni, backed by the ruling coalition and seen as a leading contender and Paul Hounkpè — running as an opposition candidate.
The president is elected using a two‑round system. If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote in the first round, a runoff would be held within 15 days.
