By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has arrived in Cotonou, Benin, to lead the ECOWAS‑CEDEAO Election Observation Mission ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for 12 April 2026.
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. Speaking on arrival, he emphasized that the mission will closely monitor all stages of the electoral process, from voter registration to polling and results declaration, to promote transparency and strengthen public confidence in the outcome.
The mission is composed of 125 observers, including twenty long-term observers, eighty short-term observers, and twenty-five young professionals, all deployed across the country in line with the ECOWAS Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
Benin’s elections follow the legislative polls held in January 2026. Outgoing President Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2016, is stepping down after serving his second and final term. Two candidates are officially eligible to run: Romuald Wadagni, backed by the ruling coalition, and Paul Hounkpè, representing the opposition. The presidency will be determined by a two-round system if no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote in the first round.
Akufo-Addo highlighted that ECOWAS’ engagement is critical in promoting peace, stability, and democratic norms in the region, reinforcing the importance of credible elections as the cornerstone of good governance in West Africa.
