UNDP expresses concerns over Benin’s 2026 general elections

Among those closely monitoring the upcoming elections is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

During a meeting on August 30, 2024, Titus Osundina, the UNDP Resident Representative in Benin, discussed the significance of these elections with the country’s Mediator, Pascal Essou, in Porto-Novo.

The discussion centered on strategies to maintain peace and ensure a smooth electoral process.

“I came to meet with the Mediator of the Republic of Benin to discuss the collaboration between our two institutions and, importantly, to explore the support that UNDP can provide.

To do this, we must reflect on the past, recalling UNDP’s involvement before, during, and after the 2006 presidential elections in Benin.

From our report and discussions with the Mediator, we understood that there were no conflicts. We supported the institution to ensure various consultations, coordinate effectively, and address minor issues that could arise during the process,” said Osundina after the meeting.

Osundina emphasized the importance of early awareness campaigns ahead of the 2026 elections, with a focus on encouraging peaceful behavior and actions to prevent any disruptions that could threaten the peace and social cohesion of the country.

“We know there will be general elections in Benin in 2026, including legislative, presidential, and local elections. It’s a very busy agenda, so preparations need to start early.

We discussed the type of support we can provide to the Mediator of the Republic in this context.

The institution has planned consultations with the various stakeholders involved in the elections to prevent any conflicts,” Osundina explained.

The meeting also covered various other topics aimed at fostering a closer collaboration between the UNDP and the Mediator’s office, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring peaceful and credible elections in Benin.

As the country gears up for a complex electoral season, the UNDP’s involvement underscores the broader international effort to support democratic processes and conflict prevention in the region.