PORTO-NOVO — Benin’s National Assembly has approved a major institutional change after lawmakers unanimously voted to temporarily abolish the Commission électorale nationale autonome (CENA).

The decision removes the existing legal framework governing the CENA and opens the way for the development of a new architecture for managing elections in Benin. The reform comes as the country’s political institutions continue adapting to recent constitutional and electoral changes.

The move is expected to trigger an important debate over the future of electoral governance and the institution responsible for organizing national polls. Authorities will now face the challenge of ensuring continuity in election administration while a new framework is developed.

The parliamentary decision also comes ahead of the planned installation of Benin’s new Senate on July 30, adding to a period of significant institutional change in the country.

Political analysts say the restructuring of election administration could have long-term implications for transparency, institutional accountability, and the organization of future elections.

Benin’s decision to temporarily abolish the CENA marks one of the country’s most significant recent political and institutional reforms, with the next electoral architecture now attracting national attention.