NEW POLITICAL DYNAMIC IN BENIN: Senators Installed: Priorities Set
24 of the 25 elected senators officially took office during a solemn ceremony marked by a speech from the oldest member, Élisabeth Pognon. Now installed for a five-year renewable term, the parliamentarians must complete several key steps before the actual work begins.
The official installation opens a crucial transitional phase within the Senate chamber. The senior decision-makers will first meet to draft and adopt the rules of procedure for the high institution.
In accordance with constitutional procedure, this text will then be submitted to the Constitutional Court for review. Once the high court approves the text, the senators will proceed to elect the Senate Bureau, an essential final step before the first ordinary sessions can be held.
Although the Senate does not have the power to initiate legislation—a privilege reserved for the government and the National Assembly—its role at the heart of the state apparatus is strategic:
The Senate will work in close consultation with the National Assembly to guarantee the legitimacy of legislation. If the Senate objects, the bill must be reviewed to take its proposals into account before promulgation.
Subject to the provisions of Article 90 of the Constitution, the upper house is vested with the power to oversee political actors. It can impose sanctions ranging from suspension to the withdrawal of political or civic rights against political actors, with the exception of the President of the Republic, the President of the National Assembly, and the President of the Economic and Social Council. This measure applies in cases of acts likely to undermine national unity, security, democracy, peace, or the stability of the country.
The ceremony was marked by the sole inaugural address, delivered by the oldest senator, Élisabeth Pognon. Reflecting on Benin’s institutional history, she recalled the context and scope of this institution:
« Considering the numerous political and institutional upheavals our country has experienced, the drafters of the Constitution of December 11, 1990, rightly recognized the need for a body to regulate the functioning of institutions and, at that time, envisioned the creation of the Constitutional Court. Our social cohesion is not fully addressed by the powers of this institution. This is why the need arose to create another body to fill in the gaps. »
With their installation for a five-year renewable term, the senators are now in charge of ensuring this mission of regulation and democratic stability.
✍️ Yaovi Angélo HOUNDJO
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