The process of collecting sponsorship forms for the 2026 presidential election continues at the National Autonomous Electoral Commission (Céna), with 30 elected officials still to complete the procedure as of Monday, September 8, 2025.
Since the launch of the process on September 2, a total of 102 deputies and 54 mayors have already retrieved their forms, marking a steady pace toward compliance with the legal requirements for candidacy.
The remaining officials face a deadline of Friday, September 12, 6 p.m., after which no further collections will be permitted.
Political leaders have praised the organisation and smooth running of the process.
Angelo Evariste Ahouandjinou, mayor of Abomey-Calavi, described his experience as positive: “It was with great joy that I collected my sponsorship form.
I was amazed by the organization that I saw on site. The Céna is well organized and is gradually rolling out its schedule.
This is leading us resolutely towards inclusive and peaceful elections. I have also just contributed to the perfect organization of these 2026 general elections.
Benin is taking giant steps in the organization of elections.”
MP Armand Gansè, elected from the Republican Bloc, emphasised the significance of following the legal framework: “Deferring to the recommendations of the law, I came this morning to collect my sponsorship form.
I must take this opportunity to congratulate the system put in place here by the Céna. The rest will be done at the level of the headquarters of the political parties since we are no longer in a messy Benin.
We are now in a structured Benin.”
Other officials echoed the sentiment.
Saturnin Dansou, mayor of Athiémé, spoke of “pleasure and pride” in participating, noting that “when the texts are applied as we wanted them, everyone agrees that the process has started well.
We were well received, everything went well. The next step is for everyone to keep their file and make themselves available to their political party.”
In Ifangni, Mayor Okpeicha Kolawolé Adissa Franck highlighted the civic importance of the process: “I would like to thank the Céna for the system put in place. It is a feeling of joy and patriotism to come and do this civic duty. The rest will be decided by my political party.
I am waiting for the investiture of my party’s candidate for the next steps.”
With more than 150 elected officials having already participated, Céna’s sponsorship form distribution represents a key step in preparing for the 2026 elections, aiming to ensure a structured and transparent electoral process across the country.
About The Author
