Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has arrived in Cotonou, Benin to begin key stakeholder engagements as Head of the ECOWAS – CEDEAO Election Observation Mission ahead of the presidential elections on Sunday, 12th April, 2026.
Leading a carefully balanced and multidisciplinary delegation of twenty long-term observers, eighty short-term observers and twenty-five young professionals who will be deployed across all localities in Benin in accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, Mr Akufo-Addo said he remains committed to working alongside the Republic of Benin to ensure a peaceful and credible election that respects the will of the people.
Benin’s presidential election, scheduled on 12 April 2026, follows national legislative elections earlier in January 2026.
The current president, Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2016, is stepping down after serving his second and final term and will not seek re‑election.
Two main candidates are officially eligible to run: Romuald Wadagni, backed by the ruling coalition and seen as a leading contender and Paul Hounkpè — running as an opposition candidate.
The president is elected using a two‑round system. If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote in the first round, a runoff would be held within 15 days.
