Ahead of Benin’s 12th April presidential election, the ECOWAS Long-Term Observation Mission has continued to observe pre-election activities in the country’s 12 administrative Districts and hold consultations with political stakeholders as a confidence-building mechanism and preventive diplomacy to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. In Cotonou, the Observers met with officials of the Union des Professionnels des Médias du Bénin (UPMB), the umbrella body that groups 15 media associations. A civil society activist and member of an Electoral Platform, Luc Candeney spoke in a similar vein, adding that Benin should live up to its strong tradition as pioneer of multiparty democracy in Africa. The ECOWAS Mission members also met with other stakeholders in various Departments, including heads of security agencies, officials of the National Electoral Commission, CENA and local administration. ECOWAS Observers met in Kandi, northeastern Allibori Department, with candidate Hounkpè’s Coordinator, Abdou Salifu, who said his party was ready for the 12th April election and was reassured by the presence of ECOWAS observers.

Source: GNN Liberia April 02, 2026 15:54 UTC