A significant constitutional reform has been enacted in Bénin, swiftly adopted through an urgent procedure on November 1st. This landmark revision introduces a novel “presidential ticket” system, stipulating that the President of the Republic and a Vice-President will now be jointly elected. This election will occur by an absolute majority of votes, across a two-round ballot process.
Beyond the electoral changes, the updated constitution brings several other crucial modifications. It formally abolishes the death penalty, a progressive move in the nation’s legal framework. Furthermore, it mandates the establishment of a dedicated Court of Accounts, enhancing financial oversight and accountability. A significant social reform is also included, embedding the principle of affirmative action to promote women’s representation in electoral contests.
The new constitutional provisions also introduce limits on parliamentary terms, restricting deputies to a maximum of three mandates. Notably, the reform allows deputies who may have temporarily yielded their position to a substitute to reclaim their original seat, ensuring continuity and flexibility within the legislative body.
The existing two-consecutive-term limit for the President, a cornerstone of the December 11, 1990 constitution, has been significantly strengthened. The revised text now explicitly states that no individual may hold the presidential office for more than two terms throughout their entire lifetime, reinforcing democratic principles and preventing prolonged stays in power.