Benin – 2026 Elections: the Supreme Court revisits the “Petitioner’s Guide” to better equip citizens
A few months ahead of the 2026 municipal, legislative and presidential elections, the Supreme Court of Benin is taking the lead.
It has just published a revised Guide for Applicants, a reference document designed to help citizens, candidates and political parties better understand the procedures for electoral appeals.
The goal is to enable everyone to defend their rights with transparency and respect for the law. In electoral matters, understanding the rules of the game is often as crucial as the vote itself.
This new guide aims to be accessible and educational. Gone is the technical jargon; the document explains, step by step, how to bring a case before the administrative court in the event of a dispute.
Who can act, before which body, how to compile a file, which deadlines to respect… so many questions to which the Court now provides clear and practical answers.
According to the document, any voter, candidate or political party can challenge an act deemed irregular, within the time limits set by law.
Thus, applicants have 48 hours to contest the rejection of a candidacy; 15 days to challenge the results for municipal councilors or the election of mayors and their deputies.
Requests, which are free of charge, can be filed at the registry of the Supreme Court, at town halls, prefectures, or sent by email to [email protected].
The Court also reminds that its decisions are final and binding on everyone, thereby guaranteeing institutional stability and public confidence. However, a correction remains possible in the case of a clerical error, within fifteen days.
With this initiative, the country’s highest administrative court is making a strong move to strengthen democratic culture and electoral transparency ahead of the major 2026 elections.
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