Seven-year term in Benin: Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji defends the choice
Government spokesperson Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji spoke about the controversy surrounding the change of the presidential term from five to seven years.
SUMMARY
Since the adoption of the constitutional revision on 15 November 2025, some voices have suggested that this reform would directly benefit President Patrice Talon.
Speaking on the TéléSud channel, the spokesperson denounced these allegations, which he described as “disinformation” spread by outlets seeking to manipulate public opinion in the wake of the reform. He reminded listeners that the revised Constitution “only applies for the future” and does not in any way concern the current term. That term will end, as planned, on the fourth Sunday in May 2026.
Why a seven-year term?
Asked about the rationale behind the seven-year term, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji laid out the logic that guided the deputies. According to him, seven years is a “sufficiently meaningful” period for state action.
In developing countries, he explains, the maturation of projects takes time, as does the consolidation of public policies.
The extension of the presidential term is therefore intended to strengthen stability and allow for more rigorous state action, aimed at improving the well-being of the population.
A major structural constitutional reform
The revision of the Constitution took place overnight from 14 to 15 November 2025 at the Palais des gouverneurs in Porto-Novo.
It introduces several major adjustments intended to align the fundamental law with current institutional realities. Among the innovations are the creation of a Senate and the change to the length of the presidential term, now set at seven years.
The two-term limit remains unchanged, a point the government is keen to stress.
After its adoption by the National Assembly, the reform must still undergo constitutional review by the Constitutional Court and be promulgated by the head of state before publication in the Official Journal.
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