Benin Republic electoral delegation visits INEC. A 12-member delegation from Benin Republic’s Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA) recently embarked on a strategic study visit to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to learn from its electoral processes.
Led by CENA President Sacca Lafia, the delegation comprised national commissioners, directors, and senior officials. The group was warmly received on Monday at INEC headquarters in Abuja by INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and other commission members.
Lafia explained that the visit was aimed at drawing valuable lessons from Nigeria’s electoral framework and best practices in preparation for Benin Republic’s pivotal 2026 elections.
“Early last month, we received a letter from CENA expressing interest in a study visit to INEC Nigeria as they gear up for what they termed their most complex election in 2026,” Yakubu shared during the event.
For the first time, CENA will oversee three elections within three months: legislative and local elections scheduled for January 2026, followed by the presidential election in April.
INEC prepared an extensive program to address the delegation’s key areas of interest, including:
- Legal frameworks for elections.
- Design and printing of election materials.
- Recruitment and training of poll officials.
- Election budgeting and payment systems for service providers.
- Election security and use of technology.
- Accreditation of local and international observers.
- Engagement with key electoral stakeholders.
Yakubu assured the CENA delegation of full access to INEC’s resources and expertise. INEC officials from various departments are set to brief the team on every aspect of Nigeria’s electoral process.
“We are committed to supporting CENA in preparing for their 2026 elections by sharing insights from our experiences,” Yakubu said.
This visit underscores the value of regional collaboration in strengthening democratic systems across West Africa, with Nigeria playing a leading role in fostering best practices in electoral management.
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