By Godfrey Akon
The Commission Electorale Nationale Autonome, CENA, of Benin Republic has embarked on a study visit to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to strengthen its electoral laws, processes and logistics ahead of the 2026 elections.
A 12-member delegation, led by CENA President Dr. Sacca Lafia, was received on Monday by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Lafia, who reaffirmed Benin’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in 2026, stressed the importance of the visit, describing Nigeria’s INEC as a regional model for electoral excellence.
“This visit is critical for us. Nigeria’s electoral strides have positioned INEC as a model for the region, and we are here to learn and implement those lessons in Benin,” he said.
He said he the visit aims to adapt INEC’s best practices to suit Benin’s electoral context.
Responding, INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the value of collaboration in addressing shared electoral challenges in West Africa.
He noted that Benin’s upcoming elections—covering legislative, local, and presidential polls over three months—will be the most complex in its history.
“The 2026 elections present significant logistical and operational challenges. CENA’s proactive approach to learning from our experiences is commendable,” he said.
According to him, the visit includes a robust four-day program designed to share Nigeria’s electoral expertise.
Key areas of focus include: legal frameworks and policies guiding elections, development, design, and distribution of electoral materials, recruitment, training, and deployment of polling officials, budgeting and payment systems for election logistics and Security coordination during elections.
Others are integration of technology in electoral processes, accreditation of election observers and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Yakubu disclosed that the commission has organized presentations by various departments to provide detailed insights into its operations.
He assured CENA of INEC’s full cooperation, stating that peer learning and support are critical to strengthening electoral processes.
“We will share our experiences and provide relevant documentation to enrich CENA’s preparations,” he said.
The collaboration underscores a shared regional commitment to advancing electoral integrity and excellence across West Africa.
