Lawmakers in Benin Republic have approved a constitutional amendment extending the presidential term to seven years, renewable only once, ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The amendment passed in an overwhelming 90-19 vote, according to a statement from the national assembly.

Under the revised Article 42, the President of the Republic will now be elected by direct universal suffrage for a single seven-year term, renewable once.

The change also applies to mayors and municipal councillors.

The move comes as President Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2016, approaches the end of his second term. Talon has publicly stated that he will not seek a third term.

Despite Benin Republic’s relative political stability in the West African region, authorities previously foiled a suspected coup attempt in September 2025.

Prosecutors reported that Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, allegedly handed over 1.5 billion CFA francs (about $2.5 million) to Djimon Tevoedjre, head of the republican guard.

Businessman Olivier Boko, a friend of Talon and prospective 2026 presidential candidate, was also implicated and arrested in Cotonou.

The amendment is seen as a significant step in political reforms ahead of next year’s elections, establishing clear term limits while maintaining stability in the country’s democratic framework.

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