Nana Akufo-Addo Leads ECOWAS Mission Ahead of Benin Presidential Election

Cotonou, Benin – 26 March 2026 – Ghana’s immediate past President, H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, has been appointed to head the 120-member ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the Republic of Benin’s upcoming presidential election scheduled for 12 April 2026.
The mission, supported by a technical team led by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, will monitor the entire electoral process – from campaign activities and Election Day procedures to post-election developments.
During its visit, the mission will engage with government institutions, political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and development partners, reflecting ECOWAS’ ongoing commitment to strengthening democratic practices in West Africa.
Already deployed Long-Term Election Observers (LTOs) held consultations on 24 March with officials of the Benin National Electoral Commission (CENA), chaired by Sacca Lafia. Lafia briefed the observers on preparations, including training of electoral officials and the distribution of materials. He expressed confidence that the process would proceed smoothly, building on the experience of legislative and municipal elections conducted earlier in January.
The ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, Ambassador Amadou Diongue, also briefed LTOs on the political context surrounding the presidential vote. Additionally, the team consulted with Mr. Francis Oke, former ECOWAS Representative to the African Union and former head of the ECOWAS Electoral Assistance Division, for insights on electoral support and regional best practices.
CENA has registered some 8 million voters from Benin’s estimated population of 15 million. The election will determine a successor to outgoing President Patrice Talon, who has completed his constitutionally allowed two terms. The ruling coalition is backing Finance and Economy Minister Kossi Mbuèke Romuald Wadagni, while the opposition has fielded Paul Hounkpè as its candidate.
Under Benin’s constitution, a candidate must secure 50% + 1 of the votes to win outright. With only two candidates contesting, a run-off is not anticipated.
The upcoming election takes place amid significant constitutional reforms and changes in the country’s political landscape, following a foiled military coup in December 2025. Earlier this year, ECOWAS conducted a pre-election fact-finding mission (7–17 January 2026) to consult with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society, and electoral officials.
ECOWAS has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Benin in holding a credible, transparent, and peaceful election, underscoring the organization’s broader mission to consolidate democracy, good governance, and regional stability.