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The Margin★ Midterms 2026 · 124d
Africa & Middle East · reference

🇧🇯 Benin

Presidential republic with constrained pluralism

SystemPresidential republic with constrained pluralism
Head of statePresident Romuald Wadagni (head of state and government, in office since May 2026)
LegislatureNational Assembly · 109 seats, all won by parties aligned with the outgoing government in January 2026
ElectionsElections are held on schedule but sponsorship and eligibility rules have excluded leading opposition candidates
Last election2026-04-12 · presidential election, won by Romuald Wadagni
Next election2033 · presidential election due under the seven-year term introduced by constitutional revision

Once considered a model West African democracy, Benin saw political space narrow sharply under Patrice Talon from 2016, with rivals prosecuted or exiled. Talon nonetheless honoured his two-term limit and handed power to his longtime finance minister Wadagni in 2026. The January 2026 legislative vote gave every seat to pro-government parties, leaving no opposition presence in parliament.

Live encyclopedic leader and election records · verified 2026-07-02
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