Akufo-Addo to Lead ECOWAS Observer Mission for Benin’s April 12 Presidential Election

Former Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has been appointed to head a 120-member Election Observation Mission deployed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ahead of Benin’s presidential election scheduled for April 12, 2026.

According to a statement issued Thursday, the mission will monitor all critical phases of the electoral process, including pre-election campaigns, activities on Election Day, and post-election developments. The team is supported by a technical group led by ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah.

The regional bloc said the observers would engage with key stakeholders such as government institutions, political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and development partners as part of efforts to promote transparency and strengthen democratic governance in West Africa.

Ahead of the polls, ECOWAS long-term observers have already been deployed across Benin. On March 24, the team met with officials of the country’s electoral body, the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA), led by its Chairman, Sacca Lafia. The commission briefed observers on preparations, including training of election personnel and distribution of materials.

Lafia expressed confidence in the commission’s readiness, citing successful legislative and municipal elections conducted earlier in January.

The ECOWAS delegation also received a political briefing from the bloc’s Resident Representative in Benin, Amadou Diongue, and held consultations with former ECOWAS electoral official, Francis Oke.

About eight million registered voters, out of a population of roughly 15 million, are expected to participate in the election to choose a successor to outgoing President, Patrice Talon, who is completing his constitutionally permitted two terms in office.

The ruling coalition has nominated Finance Minister, Kossi Mbuèke Romuald Wadagni, as its candidate, while the opposition is represented by Paul Hounkpè.

Under Benin’s constitution, a candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to win outright. However, with only two candidates contesting, a runoff election is considered unlikely.

The presidential poll follows legislative and municipal elections held earlier this year and comes amid significant political developments, including constitutional reforms and a failed coup attempt in December 2025.

ECOWAS had earlier deployed a fact-finding mission to Benin between January 7 and 17, engaging political actors, electoral authorities, and civil society groups to assess the pre-election environment.

The regional body reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Benin in delivering a credible, transparent, and peaceful election, aimed at strengthening democracy, stability, and good governance across the region.