Cotonou, Benin — Benin’s National Assembly has approved a sweeping constitutional amendment that extends presidential and legislative terms from five to seven years and creates a powerful new Senate, in one of the most significant overhauls of the country’s political system in years.
The reform, adopted late Saturday by 90 votes to 19, met the required four-fifths supermajority. It keeps in place the two-term limit for the presidency, meaning President Patrice Talon, now in his second term, cannot benefit from the longer mandate. Talon has about seven months left in office and has repeatedly vowed not to seek a third term.
The changes are due to take effect next year, after the April 2026 presidential election and new legislative polls scheduled for January, once they are validated by the Constitutional Court.
The amendment also establishes a Senate expected to comprise 25–30 members. The upper chamber will be made up largely of elder statesmen and senior figures: former presidents, ex-speakers of the National Assembly, past heads of the Constitutional Court and former chiefs of staff of the armed forces, alongside members appointed under terms still to be detailed.
According to the text, the Senate’s mission is to “regulate political life to safeguard and strengthen national unity, democracy and peace.” It will be empowered to request a second reading of most laws passed by the National Assembly, with notable exceptions such as finance and budget bills.
Supporters argue the chamber will bring experience and stability to Benin’s institutions and provide an additional safeguard in moments of political tension.
Opposition lawmakers from The Democrats party voted against the reform, alleging procedural irregularities in the vote and warning that a Senate stacked with former leaders could allow Talon and his allies to retain outsized influence after he leaves office.
Analysts note that the timing of the amendment — just months before Benin heads into a crucial election cycle — will shape the country’s politics for years. Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, a close Talon ally, is widely seen as the frontrunner for the 2026 presidential race after securing the backing of the ruling blocs in parliament.
For now, Benin remains on course for a leadership transition next year. But with longer terms and a new Senate about to enter the political game, the balance of power in one of West Africa’s more stable democracies is being quietly, but decisively, redrawn.
