A significant constitutional revision, swiftly enacted on November 1st, introduces a novel “presidential ticket” system in Bénin. This reform mandates the simultaneous election of the President of the Republic and a Vice-President, requiring an absolute majority of votes over two rounds of balloting.
Further changes within the new constitutional framework include the abolition of the death penalty and the establishment of a dedicated Court of Accounts. Additionally, the revised constitution enshrines the principle of positive discrimination to promote women’s participation in electoral processes.
For parliamentary representatives, a new limit of three terms has been imposed. Notably, the amendment also grants deputies who previously yielded their seats to alternates the opportunity to reclaim their positions.
The existing two-consecutive-term limit for the President of the Republic, a provision from the 1990 constitution, has been significantly reinforced. The updated text now explicitly states that no individual may serve more than two presidential terms throughout their entire life.