As the countdown to the 2026 presidential election continues, the National Autonomous Electoral Commission (CÉNA) saw a steady flow of elected officials collecting sponsorship forms on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
Among the latest participants were M’PO deputy N’Tia Théophile, affiliated with the Republican Bloc (BR), and the mayors of Zogbodomey, Abomey, and Agbangnizoun.
The withdrawal of these forms marks an important step in the electoral process, as sponsorship by elected officials is a prerequisite for any candidate seeking to validate their candidacy.
The participation of these four officials highlights the gradual mobilization of key political figures ahead of the election.
CÉNA reported that the previous day, Friday, September 5, a total of 135 elected representatives had already collected their sponsorship forms, including 97 members of the National Assembly and 38 mayors. This figure demonstrates a consistent pace of engagement, reflecting the urgency among political actors to secure their positions in the upcoming vote.
The Electoral Commission reiterated that the window for collecting forms will remain open until Friday, September 12, 2025.
“After this deadline, no elected official will be able to obtain the document,” a CÉNA spokesperson emphasized.
To facilitate the process, the commission’s offices remain operational daily, including weekends, ensuring that all eligible officials have access to the necessary documentation.
Political analysts note that the withdrawal of forms by high-profile figures such as Théophile and the three mayors may influence other elected officials to follow suit, potentially shaping early momentum for certain candidates. Sponsorship not only validates a candidacy but also signals political alliances and support within key constituencies, a factor that could play a decisive role in the electoral landscape.
With less than a week remaining in the designated period for form collection, CÉNA anticipates a surge in withdrawals, underlining the strategic importance of this stage in the democratic process. Observers will be closely monitoring which elected officials participate and how their endorsements might affect the dynamics of the 2026 presidential race.
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