ECOWAS deploys election observation mission to Benin

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a Long-Term Election Observation Mission (LTOEM) ahead of the presidential election scheduled for 12 April 2026 in Benin. The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has authorised the deployment of the LTEOM in accordance with the provisions of ECOWAS instruments. This legal […]

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a Long-Term Election Observation Mission (LTOEM) ahead of the presidential election scheduled for 12 April 2026 in Benin.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has authorised the deployment of the LTEOM in accordance with the provisions of ECOWAS instruments.

This legal framework comprises the Revised Treaty of 1993, the 1999 Mechanism for the Prevention, Conflict Management and Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, the 2001 Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and Article 53(c) of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework adopted in 2008.

Fifteen experts from ECOWAS member states are to be in the country from 22 March to 18 April 2026, according to a statement by the ECOWAS Commission on Wednesday.

It said they would be deployed across all regions of Benin during this period, adding that these experts possess a broad range of expertise in fields such as constitutional law, political affairs, diplomacy, the media, electoral operations, conflict prevention, gender and inclusion, and security matters.

“Observers of the long-term mission will monitor all key stages of the electoral process before, during and after the vote.

“Their analyses will serve as early warning and rapid response mechanisms to help prevent and manage any conflict linked to the elections.

“The observers will provide real-time analysis, make concrete recommendations and help foster a climate of transparency and trust conducive to high voter turnout,” it said.

To ensure effective coordination of the LTEOM in the run-up to the deployment of the Short-Term Election Observation Mission, which will comprise around 100 observers, ECOWAS will establish a situation room to monitor developments at the national level and issue daily updates for the attention of the ECOWAS Commission authorities.