2026 presidential election in Benin: the Constitutional Court postpones the hearing on the Démocrates’ appeals to 4 p.m.

The Constitutional Court of Benin has suspended its special plenary hearing scheduled for this Monday.

Originally planned to be held this morning, the hearing intended to examine several appeals filed by the main opposition party, Les Démocrates, concerning their exclusion from the provisional list of candidates for the 2026 presidential election was postponed by a few hours. It was rescheduled for 4 p.m. to allow the stakeholders to complete their files.

Among the appeals being examined, that of Karim Goundi, a party activist, challenges the number of endorsements required by the Commission électorale nationale autonome (CENA). According to Goundi, calculating 15% of the 186 elected officials (109 deputies and 77 mayors) yields 27.9, rounded to 28, which he says is unconstitutional. He argues that the legislator did not set an absolute number, but a rate that varies according to the number of elected officials.

Les Démocrates, led by Boni Yayi, say their exclusion is a political maneuver aimed at preventing any democratic turnover. They expect the Constitutional Court to issue a decision in accordance with the Constitution and the electoral laws in force.

The 4 p.m. hearing will therefore determine whether the party can participate in the 2026 presidential election. All eyes are now on the High Court, whose decision could have a significant impact on Benin’s political landscape.