The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history. This period marked the end of long military dominance of 15 years and ushered in the beginning of the fourth republic. The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history.
Benin Republic
Benin operates as a presidential republic with a multi-party system, but recent years have seen increasing concentration of power under President Patrice Talon, despite the re-emergence of the opposition in the 2023 parliamentary elections. Challenges include high corruption, poverty, and security risks from violent extremist organizations in the north. A new electoral code was adopted in 2024, with the next general elections scheduled for 2026.
14.46M+
Population
100:101
Men-Women Ratio
26.61%
Women Representation
Overview
Benin, formerly known as the Republic of Dahomey, under French colonial rule gained its independence in 1960, with Hubert Maga serving as its first president. In 1975. Benin operates as a presidential republic with a unicameral National Assembly and an independent judiciary.
The President, elected through a two-round system for a five-year term (renewable once), serves as both head of state and government. Elections for the National Assembly’s 109 members use closed-list proportional representation in multi-member constituencies, each department electing deputies subject to thresholds and term limits.
The country has experienced political volatility, including periods of authoritarian rule under Mathieu Kérékou (1972–1991) before the restoration of democracy in the early 1990s. Recent years, however, reflect declining democratic freedoms amid restrictions on opposition participation, tightened electoral laws, and concerns over democratic erosion under President Patrice Talon.
Key Political Transitions:
– 1972: General Mathieu Kérékou seizes power, ruling under Marxist-Leninist policies until the early 1990s.
– 1991: Democratic reforms begin after Kérékou admits defeat in an election—marking a democratic milestone.
– 2016: Patrice Talon is elected president, initiating reforms but also facing allegations of democratic backsliding.
– 2019–2023: Legislative reforms, like high thresholds, sponsorship requirements, and party disqualifications, reduce opposition representation. The pro-government alliance consolidates power in the National Assembly.
Upcoming Elections
August 21, 2025
Presidential Election
Scheduled
Learn more
August 21, 2025
Presidential Election
Scheduled
The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history. This period marked the end of long military dominance of 15 years and ushered in the beginning of the fourth republic. The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history.
Learn more
August 21, 2025
Presidential Election
Scheduled
The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history. This period marked the end of long military dominance of 15 years and ushered in the beginning of the fourth republic. The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history.
Learn more
Participation Metrics
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin volutpat, mauris nec luctus vulputate, justo lorem vehicula erat, sit amet iaculis erat est id ligula. Morbi sit amet leo lectus. Donec viverra semper nulla, nec aliquam nisl accumsan ut. Integer lacinia risus ut turpis suscipit, eget cursus nunc ullamcorper. Ut fermentum dolor at augue finibus, nec lacinia nisi aliquam. Nam a metus sed odio dictum volutpat. Sed euismod quam quis nunc sodales, nec fermentum sapien faucibus. Curabitur vel sem a mi scelerisque tincidunt.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin volutpat, mauris nec luctus vulputate, justo lorem vehicula erat, sit amet iaculis erat est id ligula. Morbi sit amet leo lectus. Donec viverra semper nulla, nec aliquam nisl accumsan ut. Integer lacinia risus ut turpis suscipit, eget cursus nunc ullamcorper. Ut fermentum dolor at augue finibus, nec lacinia nisi aliquam. Nam a metus sed odio dictum volutpat. Sed euismod quam quis nunc sodales, nec fermentum sapien faucibus. Curabitur vel sem a mi scelerisque tincidunt.
Key Electoral Institutions
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Observer Groups
These are not formal government institutions but they play a crucial role in monitoring and reporting electoral irregularities. They also conduct political education and advocate for clearer electoral reforms.
Contact Information
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The Supreme Court of Nigeria
The Nigerian Court plays an important role in the country’s electoral processes by ensuring justce, fairness during and after elections. This cort is the highest and final court of appeal in Nigeria. Once the court delivers a judgement on an election matter, no addittional legal process is possible. Also, the courts interprets the provision of the electoral acts as codified in the 1999 constitution (as amended).
Contact Information
- Headquarters: Plot 436 Zambezi Crescent Maitama District FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
- Mailing Address: PMB 0184 Garki FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.
- Hotline: 0700-CALL-INEC (0700-2255-4632)
- Email: iccc@inec.gov.ng
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State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs)
This commission operates at the state level to conduct local government elections within each state. They are accountable to state governments. However, the structure of SIECs varies across states.
Contact Information
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Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
This is the primary body in Nigeria that manages and coordinates natinal and state electoral processes. INEC was established by the 1999 constitution to supervise presidential, national assembly, governorship and state assembly elections; monitor pilitcal party activities and their finances: accredit observers and parties. INEC is headed by a Chairman and National Commissioner that is appointed by the president and approved the the senate.
Contact Information
- Headquarters: Plot 436 Zambezi Crescent Maitama District FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
- Mailing Address: PMB 0184 Garki FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.
- Hotline: 0700-CALL-INEC (0700-2255-4632)
- Email: iccc@inec.gov.ng
Visit Website
Electoral Laws & Policies
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin volutpat, mauris nec luctus vulputate, justo lorem vehicula erat, sit amet iaculis erat est id ligula. Morbi sit amet leo lectus. Donec viverra semper nulla, nec aliquam nisl accumsan ut. Integer lacinia risus ut turpis suscipit, eget cursus nunc ullamcorper. Ut fermentum dolor at augue finibus, nec lacinia nisi aliquam. Nam a metus sed odio dictum volutpat. Sed euismod quam quis nunc sodales, nec fermentum sapien faucibus. Curabitur vel sem a mi scelerisque tincidunt.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin volutpat, mauris nec luctus vulputate, justo lorem vehicula erat, sit amet iaculis erat est id ligula. Morbi sit amet leo lectus. Donec viverra semper nulla, nec aliquam nisl accumsan ut. Integer lacinia risus ut turpis suscipit, eget cursus nunc ullamcorper. Ut fermentum dolor at augue finibus, nec lacinia nisi aliquam. Nam a metus sed odio dictum volutpat. Sed euismod quam quis nunc sodales, nec fermentum sapien faucibus. Curabitur vel sem a mi scelerisque tincidunt.
Accredited Election Monitoring Organizations
Recent Election Publication
News & Updates
Gambia
Worst Election Recorded in the whole world. #5
Observe West Africa is a youth-led, civic-driven platform dedicated to promoting transparent and inclusive elections across West Africa.
Gambia
Worst Election Recorded in the whole world. #4
Observe West Africa is a youth-led, civic-driven platform dedicated to promoting transparent and inclusive elections across West Africa.
How To Monitor Elections In
Benin Republic
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin volutpat, mauris nec luctus vulputate, justo lorem vehicula erat, sit amet iaculis erat est id ligula. Morbi sit amet leo lectus. Donec viverra semper nulla, nec aliquam nisl accumsan ut. Integer lacinia risus ut turpis suscipit, eget cursus nunc ullamcorper. Ut fermentum dolor at augue finibus, nec lacinia nisi aliquam. Nam a metus sed odio dictum volutpat. Sed euismod quam quis nunc sodales, nec fermentum sapien faucibus. Curabitur vel sem a mi scelerisque tincidunt.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin volutpat, mauris nec luctus vulputate, justo lorem vehicula erat, sit amet iaculis erat est id ligula. Morbi sit amet leo lectus. Donec viverra semper nulla, nec aliquam nisl accumsan ut. Integer lacinia risus ut turpis suscipit, eget cursus nunc ullamcorper. Ut fermentum dolor at augue finibus, nec lacinia nisi aliquam. Nam a metus sed odio dictum volutpat. Sed euismod quam quis nunc sodales, nec fermentum sapien faucibus. Curabitur vel sem a mi scelerisque tincidunt.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin volutpat, mauris nec luctus vulputate, justo lorem vehicula erat, sit amet iaculis erat est id ligula. Morbi sit amet leo lectus. Donec viverra semper nulla, nec aliquam nisl accumsan ut. Integer lacinia risus ut turpis suscipit, eget cursus nunc ullamcorper. Ut fermentum dolor at augue finibus, nec lacinia nisi aliquam. Nam a metus sed odio dictum volutpat. Sed euismod quam quis nunc sodales, nec fermentum sapien faucibus. Curabitur vel sem a mi scelerisque tincidunt.