The INEC Chairman has promised to assist Benin Republic’s electoral commission, CENA, in preparing for their 2026 elections. CENA will conduct three elections in three months, and seeks to learn from INEC’s procedures and practices. Yakubu emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and experience for successful electoral outcomes.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that his Commission will provide assistance and relevant documentation to aid the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie (CENA) of Benin Republic in organizing their elections scheduled for 2026. This statement was made during a meeting in Abuja with a CENA delegation led by Dr. Sacca Lafia, who is the President of the Benin Republic’s Electoral Commission.
CENA is preparing for what they describe as their most complex electoral cycle, encompassing three elections within three months: legislative and local elections in January 2026, followed by the presidential election in April 2026. Yakubu emphasized that this delegation is interested in studying various elements of Nigeria’s electoral process including legal frameworks, election material logistics, training of officials, budgeting procedures, security measures, technological applications, and stakeholder engagement.
In response to these inquiries, Yakubu stated that INEC has designed a comprehensive program to cover all facets of the electoral process. This plan includes briefings from various INEC departments to enhance peer learning. He expressed confidence in the value of sharing their experiences, noting, “I want to assure CENA that we will fully share our experience with you and make available relevant documents that will enrich your understanding of our processes.”
This collaboration highlights the commitment to strengthening electoral systems in the region and ensuring that the upcoming elections in Benin Republic are conducted efficiently and transparently.
This meeting underscores the increasing collaboration between electoral bodies in West Africa aimed at enhancing democratic processes. The Benin Republic’s CENA is gearing up for significant electoral activity in 2026, and by studying Nigeria’s INEC, it seeks to implement best practices learned from its counterpart. This relationship is crucial, particularly in a region where electoral integrity is fundamental to the consolidation of democracy.
In conclusion, the partnership between INEC and CENA represents a proactive approach to improving electoral processes in West Africa. By drawing on Nigeria’s experiences, CENA aims to navigate the complexities of its upcoming elections effectively. This collaboration not only fosters regional cooperation but also strengthens the democratic framework within which these elections will be conducted.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
