Benin Electoral Commission Observes Nigeria’s System Ahead of 2026 Elections
Delegates from Benin’s electoral commission (CENA) visited Nigeria to study its electoral system in preparation for their complex 2026 elections. Led by Dr. Sacca Lafia, CENA seeks insights into legal frameworks, election materials, and polling official training, among others, to enhance their electoral processes.
Officials from the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie (CENA) of the Republic of Benin recently visited Nigeria to observe the country’s electoral system. The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, welcomed Dr. Sacca Lafia, the chairman of CENA, and his twelve-member delegation, which included national commissioners and directors. This initiative marks a significant effort by CENA, as they prepare for what they anticipate to be their most elaborate elections in 2026.
Prof. Yakubu noted that CENA will conduct three elections within a short timespan: the legislative and local elections slated for January 2026, followed by the presidential election in April 2026. This unique undertaking prompted CENA’s request for a study visit to learn from the Nigerian electoral experience. Areas of interest for the CENA delegation include Nigeria’s legal framework for elections, the design and printing of election materials, as well as the recruitment and training of polling officials and financial management related to election procedures.
This exchange between the electoral commissions of Nigeria and Benin highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in improving electoral processes in West Africa. As Benin gears up for its complex series of elections in 2026, learning from the experiences and methodologies employed by Nigeria’s INEC can potentially enhance CENA’s operational effectiveness. Nigeria, with its extensive history of administering elections, serves as a significant model for Benin and other neighboring countries faced with similar electoral challenges.
This visit serves not only as a preparatory measure for Benin’s upcoming elections but also as an example of regional cooperation in enhancing democratic practices. By studying Nigeria’s electoral processes, CENA aims to better equip itself for conducting multiple elections within a constrained timeline, thus striving towards effective electoral management that can lead to successful democratic outcomes.
Original Source: newtelegraphng.com