Former President Patrice Talon elected president of Benin's new Senate
Former Beninese President Patrice Talon, who left office in April, was elected president of the country's first Senate on Thursday. The institution, which began operations in late July, was established following a constitutional revision adopted in November 2025. Its purpose is to "regulate political life." The Senate comprises 25 parliamentarians who are not elected but are ex-officio members, such as former presidents, or are appointed by the head of state. Patrice Talon, 68, who served two terms from 2016 to 2026, the maximum allowed by the Constitution, stated, "I would like to assure you of my availability and my commitment to work for the proper functioning of a Senate that will be like a family to us." He pledged to work "for the strengthening of national unity, the political stability of our country, peace, and democracy" after his election in Porto-Novo, the capital. Mr. Talon was elected by the senators with 24 votes, with one blank ballot. Former heads of state Thomas Boni Yayi 2006-2016 and Nicéphore Soglo 1991-1996 also sit in the Senate. Paul Hounkpè, an unsuccessful candidate in the last presidential election where he was the sole opposition figure, is also a member of the institution. The most recent presidential election in April was won by Romuald Wadagni, former Minister of Economy and Patrice Talon's successor.
