Benin Lawmakers Approve Extension of Presidential Term from Five to Seven Years, Set to Take Effect in 2026

In a significant overhaul of the nation’s political architecture, the National Assembly of Benin Republic adopted a constitutional amendment today, Saturday, November 15, 2025, that extends the presidential term of office from the current five years to a new seven-year term.

The highly anticipated amendment, which passed with a substantial majority, retains the two-term limit, meaning future presidents of Benin will be able to serve a maximum of 14 years. The reform is set to take effect for the next presidential election cycle, scheduled for April 2026.

The legislation was championed by the ruling coalition in the National Assembly, which argued that the extended term would provide presidents with adequate time to implement comprehensive long-term development policies without the constant pressure of imminent re-election campaigns.

Key Reforms and Political Context

Crucially, the new seven-year tenure will not affect the incumbent President, Patrice Talon. President Talon is currently serving his second and final five-year term, due to expire in April 2026. He has repeatedly reassured the public and the international community that he would not seek an unconstitutional third term, regardless of the constitutional changes.

In addition to extending the presidential term, the constitutional package includes the creation of a new second legislative body, the Senate. This body is designed to draw on the experience of former political and security figures, with the aim of using its powers to “regulate political life to safeguard and strengthen national unity, democracy, and peace.”

The amendment also adjusts the term length for Members of the National Assembly from four years to five years, commencing in 2026, to synchronize with the new electoral calendar. The move to restructure the terms, while not extending the total number of terms a leader can serve, represents a major institutional shift in Benin’s multiparty democratic history.