AUTONOMOUS NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF BENIN, CENA SOLICITS THE SUPPORT OF INEC IN CONDUCTING ELECTIONS IN 2026 18-12-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Autonomous National Electoral Commission of Benin, CENA has solicited the support of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in conducting elections in their country in 2026.
CENA President, DR Sacca Lafia who led a 12 member delegation on a study tour to the Commission said they want to learn from INEC so that they could do well as they prepare for what he described as most complicated election ever, with three major elections slated to come up within three-month span.
Dr Sacca explained that Legislative and Local Elections would come up in January 2026, to be followed by the Presidential election in same year.
The Chairman of CENA, expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to them, noting that the experience they would garner would go a long way in enhancing the country’s elections.
Responding, INEC Chairman, Proffessor Mahmoud Yakubu said that they were interested in learning 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, security during elections, the use of technology, the accreditation of local and international observers, engagement with electoral stakeholders and other aspects of Nigeria’s electoral experience.
Professor Yakubu also said that the Commission had drawn up an elaborate programme for the visit covering all aspects of the electoral process and that Various Departments within the Commission are scheduled to brief the visitors.
He assured the CENA team that the Commission would fully share their experience and make available relevant documents that would enrich their understanding of Nigeria’s electoral processes.