In a recent In a televised interview on Benin’s national television, President Patrice Talon firmly rejected demands for a review of Benin’s electoral code, stressing that political stability must take precedence over partisan interests. With national elections approaching, he called on political actors to prioritize dialogue and consensus to safeguard democratic progress.
Beninese President Patrice Talon has insisted that Benin’s institutional reforms remain sound and should be preserved to strengthen political discipline and governance. He maintained that instability stems from the behavior of political actors rather than the electoral law itself, emphasizing that the country must learn to operate within established democratic rules.
I must admit that I am not at all pleased with the current state of electoral dynamics. It is damaging to our country’s image. However, this is no reason to call for reform of the party system, let alone the electoral code.
Patrice Talon, President of the Republic
President Patrice Talon’s remarks come amid growing calls from some political figures for a review of the law ahead of the next Presidential elections. The president countered these demands, warning that frequent changes risk weakening democratic institutions and confusing voters. He stressed that reforms adopted in recent years were designed to reduce fragmentation and strengthen political parties’ credibility.
We want to achieve this. We want our parties to be large enough to be representative everywhere. We want people throughout Benin to feel involved in the actions of a party, in the power of a party. Even if the party does not have a majority everywhere, it should have a sufficient presence everywhere.
By rejecting proposals to reopen the debate on electoral reform, President Patrice Talon has reaffirmed his commitment to continuity and constitutional stability. As Benin prepares for elections on 12 April 2026, his message underscores his deep conviction that political accountability is the foundation of democracy.
