A significant constitutional reform was swiftly enacted in Benin on November 1st, introducing a novel “presidential ticket” system. This new framework mandates that the President of the Republic and a Vice-President will now be elected concurrently, requiring an absolute majority of votes over two electoral rounds.
Beyond electoral modifications, the revised constitution also includes several other pivotal changes. It officially abolishes the death penalty, establishes a dedicated Court of Accounts, and integrates the principle of affirmative action to enhance female representation in elections.
Furthermore, the terms for parliamentary deputies are now capped at three. An interesting provision also allows deputies who previously yielded their seats to a substitute to reassume their legislative roles.
The existing two-consecutive-term limit for the President of the Republic, a cornerstone of the 1990 constitution, has been significantly strengthened. The new text explicitly states that no individual can serve more than two presidential terms throughout their lifetime, reinforcing the commitment to democratic rotation.
