Benin Extends Term Limits and Creates New Senate in Major Constitutional Overhaul

Benin Extends Term Limits and Creates New Senate in Major Constitutional Overhaul

🇧🇯 Benin Extends Term Limits and Creates New Senate in Major Constitutional Overhaul

Benin’s National Assembly has approved a significant constitutional amendment creating a second legislative chamber and extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, starting next year.

The reform will not benefit President Patrice Talon, who has only seven months left in his second and final term. The two-term limit remains unchanged.

A key feature of the amendment is the creation of a Senate made up of 25–30 members. The new body will include respected former leaders — such as ex-presidents, former parliamentary speakers, past Constitutional Court presidents, and retired military chiefs of staff.

According to the amendment, the Senate’s role will be to “regulate political life to safeguard and strengthen national unity, democracy, and peace.”

The upper chamber will also be able to request a second reading of laws passed by the National Assembly, except for finance bills and other special cases.

The amendment passed overwhelmingly with 90 votes in favor and 19 against, surpassing the required four-fifths majority.

📌 Stay ahead on Africa’s biggest stories.
👉 Like, Comment, Follow & Share to support