- Over 7.8 million registered voters participated in the January 11 legislative and municipal elections under Benin’s new Electoral Code.
- The pre-electoral period was calm, with political campaigns conducted courteously and no hostile interactions observed.
- Civil society organisations and election stakeholders conducted extensive civic and voter education, targeting women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
- On election day, 72% of polling stations had election officials present by 6:30 AM, and 97% had started voting by 8:30 AM.
- 95% of observed polling stations had the required 5 election officials, including at least one woman, and 97% had security personnel ensuring a calm and orderly environment.
- Essential electoral materials were available in 99% of polling stations, and the secret ballot was upheld at all locations.
- Priority voting measures were respected for elderly voters, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
- Voting concluded efficiently, with most polling stations finished by 17:30 and results displayed publicly in 99% of compilation centers.
- Women represented 29% of candidates on legislative lists (146 titular, 170 substitute), but representation varied across parties, showing uneven inclusion.
Benin
11 January 2026
Powered by AHEAD Africa, elections in Benin were monitored by…
Resources
Election Observation Mission Recommendations | Legislative and municipal elections | CAPE [FR]
Election Day Closing Statement | Legislative and municipal elections | CAPE and COSCEP [FR]
Election Day Statement | Legislative and municipal elections | CAPE and COSCEP [FR]
Pre-Election Statement | Legislative and municipal elections | CAPE and COSCEP [FR]
Recommendations
Based on our reports above and classified by thematic areas
Management and Procedures
- Evaluate electoral reforms to ensure they effectively combat inequalities and protect candidates from violence or discrimination.
- Maintain contact with political parties and women to support inclusive political education and capacity-building throughout the inter-election period (training, research, awareness-raising, etc).
Competition and Transparency
- Raise awareness about the importance of women’s representation in elections and ensure fair coverage of women candidates.
- Assess and monitor women’s representation in elections to track progress and identify challenges.
Inclusion and Participation
- Ensure gender parity in electoral decision-making bodies.
- Adopt laws promoting women’s representation, including parity or quota rules.
- Require political parties to consider gender, age, and disability when selecting candidates and ensure gender-sensitive candidate selection.
- Continue inclusive electoral education and organise training to encourage women to stand for election.
- Create support networks and mentorship programs for women candidates to navigate the electoral process.
- Provide financial support mechanisms to help women fund their campaigns.
- Raise awareness among the media about the importance of women’s representation and ensure fair coverage of women candidates.
- Assess and monitor women’s representation in elections to track progress and identify challenges.
Global Norms
- Continue efforts to ensure elections take place peacefully.
- Ensure that all forms of violence against candidates, especially women, are reported and addressed by the competent legal authorities.
Main Findings
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