Civil society organizations in Benin are intensifying calls for amendments to the country’s electoral laws to promote fairness and inclusivity ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
The groups argue that current regulations—such as mandatory national coverage and high financial thresholds for parties—unjustly sideline independent candidates and smaller opposition movements.
President Patrice Talon’s administration is under fire for resisting dialogue on these concerns, with critics accusing the government of entrenching its political dominance.
Jean Baptiste Elias, head of the National Organizations Against Corruption, and other activists are urging swift reforms to safeguard Benin’s democratic values.
