The Republic of Benin’s National Assembly has temporarily dissolved the country’s Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA), the body responsible for organising elections.
The government said the decision was taken as a cost-saving measure following recent constitutional reforms that extended the tenure of the president, members of parliament and municipal councillors to seven years, reducing the need for elections in the immediate future.
Authorities said the move is temporary and that a new electoral management body will be created after a transitional period.
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According to the government, the new institution will operate under a framework aligned with the country’s recent political reforms.
CENA is responsible for overseeing electoral processes, ensuring that elections are conducted in accordance with the law and safeguarding the credibility of election results.
However, the commission has faced criticism in recent years over concerns about its effectiveness.
During the transition, the Council of Ministers will determine how CENA’s existing obligations will be concluded and how the commission’s assets will be managed and preserved.
SOURCE: africannews
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.