The INEC Chairman has pledged to support Benin Republic’s electoral commission with insights and documentation to aid their preparations for the 2026 elections. The CENA delegation is studying Nigeria’s electoral processes as they tackle three elections within three months, highlighting key areas such as legal frameworks and technology in voting.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has offered to assist the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie (CENA) of the Benin Republic in preparations for their upcoming elections in 2026. During a meeting in Abuja with a delegation from CENA, led by President Dr. Sacca Lafia, INEC’s Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, articulated the intention to share valuable insights and documentation to facilitate CENA’s electoral processes.
CENA is preparing for what they have indicated to be their most intricate election cycle, with three elections scheduled within three months. Legislative and local elections will occur in January 2026, followed by a presidential election in April 2026. In this context, the INEC Chairman highlighted the delegation’s objective to explore various aspects of Nigeria’s electoral system, emphasizing the importance of effective peer learning throughout their visit.
The focus areas for the CENA delegation include Nigeria’s electoral legal framework, design and printing of election materials, recruitment and training of poll officials, budgeting, security measures during elections, technological use, and engagement with electoral stakeholders—an indication of CENA’s commitment to enhancing electoral integrity.
The electoral landscape in West Africa is marked by significant challenges, necessitating a continuous exchange of knowledge and best practices among electoral bodies. The collaboration between INEC and CENA reflects an acknowledgment of these challenges, particularly as CENA prepares for a series of critical elections in a condensed timeframe. This partnership is essential for sharing insights that ensure fair, transparent, and efficient electoral processes, contributing to the overall strengthening of democracy in the region.
In summary, the collaboration between the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria and the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie of Benin Republic symbolizes a proactive approach to improving electoral processes. By sharing experiences and extensive resources, this partnership ensures that CENA is well-equipped for their upcoming elections, ultimately promoting democracy and integrity in electoral practices within the region.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
