Five candidate duos have officially submitted their applications for Benin’s 2026 presidential election before the deadline on Tuesday, 14 October, according to the country’s National Independent Electoral Commission (Cena).
In line with electoral law, only candidates nominated by political parties are eligible to contest. The five pairs include Romuald Wadagni and Mariam Chabi Talata representing the ruling coalition, Prince Anatole Ouinsavi and Agathe Bello, Paul Hounkpè and Judicaël Hounwanou of the FCBE party, Renaud Agbodjo and Bonaventure Lodjou, and Élisabeth Agbossaga and Boni Néto Gansaré. The final list of approved candidates is expected to be announced on 31 October.
The opposition, led by *Les Démocrates*, faced last-minute challenges in finalising their nomination. Arriving at Cena less than two hours before the deadline, they were informed that parts of their application remained incomplete.
The party is also grappling with internal disputes after one of its lawmakers withdrew his sponsorship, reducing their valid endorsements below the required threshold. Despite these setbacks, opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo urged authorities to “avoid exclusionary tactics” and reaffirmed the party’s determination to participate fully in next year’s election.
The submission period marks the beginning of an intense political season in Benin as parties race to secure their place in the 2026 presidential race.