Officials from Benin’s CENA are studying Nigeria’s electoral system to prepare for their complex elections in 2026, focusing on various aspects of electoral management. This includes understanding the legal framework, election material production, poll official training, budgeting, and payment processes, as they navigate three elections within three months.
Officials from the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie (CENA) of Benin recently visited Nigeria with the purpose of studying the country’s electoral system. This visit, led by Dr. Sacca Lafia, the Chairman of CENA, was addressed by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu. CENA is preparing for its most intricate elections in 2026, which will encompass three elections within a three-month period, beginning with legislative and local elections in January and culminating with a presidential election in April 2026.
Professor Yakubu stated, “CENA is interested in the legal framework for elections in Nigeria, the design and printing of election materials and forms, the recruitment and training of poll officials, election budgeting and mode of payment to different service providers.” The delegation consists of twelve members, including National Commissioners and Directors, who are keen to gather insights into Nigeria’s electoral processes and procedures, a vital step in ensuring a smooth electoral process in Benin’s upcoming elections.
The collaboration between Benin’s CENA and Nigeria’s INEC reflects a growing trend among countries to enhance their electoral integrity and operational efficiency. With Nigeria having conducted several electoral exercises, it serves as a valuable case study for CENA, which is gearing up for a challenging election cycle in 2026. By learning from Nigeria’s experiences, particularly in managing complex election logistics and governance, CENA aims to adopt best practices that will foster credibility in their electoral outcomes.
In summary, CENA’s undertaking to study Nigeria’s electoral system underscores the significance of collaborative learning in electoral management. The upcoming elections in Benin are anticipated to be particularly demanding, making this preparatory engagement with INEC crucial. By understanding the intricacies of Nigeria’s electoral framework and procedures, CENA is not only bolstering its organizational preparedness, but also aiming to enhance the overall democratic process in Benin.
Original Source: newtelegraphng.com
