Officials from Benin’s electoral commission, CENA, visited Nigeria to study its electoral system. This visit, led by Dr. Sacca Lafia, aims to enhance their preparations for a challenging series of elections scheduled for 2026, which will include legislative, local, and presidential elections. Key topics of interest encompass legal frameworks, election material logistics, and training of election officials.
Recent developments saw officials from the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie (CENA) of the Republic of Benin visiting Nigeria to study its electoral system. The delegation, led by Dr. Sacca Lafia, Chairman of CENA, engaged with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the guidance of Professor Mahmood Yakubu. This visit is particularly significant as it coincides with CENA’s preparations for its upcoming elections, which are expected to be the most complex in 2026.
CENA plans to undertake a challenging electoral exercise involving three elections over a span of three months, which include legislative, local elections in January 2026, and a presidential election in April 2026. Yakubu highlighted the importance of this visit, noting that CENA aims to enhance its understanding of various electoral processes. This includes the legal frameworks governing elections in Nigeria, alongside logistical aspects such as the design and production of election materials, training of poll officials, budgeting, and payment methods for service providers.
This initiative arises from the necessity for electoral bodies to learn from one another, especially in the face of increasingly complex electoral environments. The Republic of Benin, facing what it describes as its most complicated electoral cycle yet, seeks to leverage the experiences and best practices of Nigeria’s INEC. The collaboration facilitates knowledge exchange regarding electoral integrity and operational efficiency, which are critical for successful voter mobilization and management during elections.
In conclusion, the visit by CENA officials to Nigeria represents a proactive approach to electoral management and reflects the growing interconnections among African electoral bodies. With CENA’s ambitious electoral goals for 2026, the insights gained from INEC’s experience will be vital. By informing their legal and operational frameworks, the collaboration aims to strengthen the electoral process in Benin, ensuring transparency and efficiency in their forthcoming elections.
Original Source: newtelegraphng.com
