A significant constitutional overhaul was enacted in Benin on November 1st, introducing several pivotal changes. Among these is the establishment of a “presidential ticket,” where the President of the Republic and a Vice-President are jointly elected. This joint election requires an absolute majority of votes over two rounds of polling.
Further amendments include the abolition of the death penalty and the creation of a new judicial body, the Court of Accounts. The revised constitution also formalizes the principle of affirmative action, promoting positive discrimination for women in electoral processes.
Term limits have been imposed on parliamentary deputies, restricting them to a maximum of three mandates. Additionally, deputies who previously yielded their seats to substitutes are now granted the option to reclaim their positions.
The existing constitutional provision from December 11, 1990, limiting the President of the Republic to two consecutive terms, has been strengthened. The new text explicitly states that no individual may hold the presidential office for more than two terms throughout their entire lifetime.
