Benin Republic Electoral Commission Visits INEC to Enhance Election Preparedness

The INEC of Nigeria has pledged to assist the CENA of Benin Republic by sharing vital electoral documents and procedures as they prepare for the 2026 elections. The CENA delegation is conducting a study visit to grasp the operational mechanics of INEC, focusing on the complexities of managing multiple elections efficiently within a short span. This collaboration is expected to fortify electoral processes in both countries.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has committed to sharing INEC’s expertise with the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie (CENA) of Benin Republic as it prepares for the 2026 elections. During a meeting in Abuja with Dr. Sacca Lafia, President of CENA, Yakubu assured that comprehensive documents and insights regarding electoral processes would be made available to facilitate a successful execution of their elections.

CENA’s representatives, comprising a 12-member delegation including National Commissioners and Directors, are visiting Nigeria to study INEC’s frameworks and operational procedures. They are particularly interested in the intricacies of election management, including legal frameworks, the design of electoral materials, official training, budget allocations, and security protocols during elections. CENA’s approach to deploying technology and managing stakeholder engagement will also be analyzed during this visit.

Yakubu expressed that the upcoming elections in Benin Republic, consisting of legislative, local, and presidential elections within a three-month period, necessitate thorough preparations. He emphasized that INEC has developed an extensive program tailored to support CENA’s understanding and adoption of effective election methodologies. Each department within INEC will provide insights pertinent to their respective areas. This collaborative effort is expected to enhance CENA’s electoral framework significantly.

The initiative for the CENA delegation to study INEC arises as they gear up for their most complex electoral cycle yet in 2026, which will feature multiple elections in a short timeframe. This context underscores the importance of their visit to Nigeria to learn from an established electoral body that has managed substantial electoral processes successfully. The cooperation between the two electoral bodies highlights a regional commitment to strengthening democratic practices and improving the overall electoral framework within West Africa.

In conclusion, the collaboration between the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria and the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie of Benin Republic represents a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing electoral integrity and professionalism in the region. By sharing knowledge and resources, both commissions hope to establish robust electoral systems that will support democracy and governance in their respective nations.

Original Source: dailypost.ng