By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Lawmakers in Benin on Saturday approved a constitutional amendment permitting the extension of the presidential term of office from five to seven years.
This is in addition to the creation of an upper legislative chamber, the Senate.
The West African nation however retained the presidential term limit of two tenure.
Current head of state Patrice Talon is expected to take a bow next April after a decade in power.
His preferred successor, Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, is the clear favourite to win the April 2026 presidential election.
The amendment was adopted by a large majority of MPs, with 90 votes in favour and 19 against.
The Senate will be composed of at least 25 parliamentarians, some appointed by the head of state and other ex-officio members, such as former presidents.
