President of Benin
The president of Benin is both head of state and head of government in Benin. The Cabinet of Benin is under the authority of the President, and serves to advise and help formulate strategies. It also liaises with ministries and other government institutions. The President is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Benin Armed Forces
A total of seven people have served as President. Additionally, one person, Mathieu Kérékou, has served on two non-consecutive occasions.
Description of the office
Election
The president is elected by universal suffrage for five years. They are limited to two terms, whether successive or separated.Presidential candidates must be:
Presidents are elected via a two-round system. Elections must take place between 30 and 40 days before the expiration of the incumbent president's term. If no candidate receives an absolute majority in the first round, a runoff takes place between the top two finishers in the first round.
The runoff takes place 15 days after the second round. If one or both of the two top finishers withdraw before the runoff, the next finishers advance in order of filing. A plurality is required to win.
Elections are arranged by a decree of the council of ministers.
The first round of balloting for the election of the President of the Republic shall take place at least thirty days and at most forty days before the expiration date of the powers of the President in office.
The mandate of the new President of the Republic shall take effect by counting from the expiration date of the mandate of his predecessor.
Oath of office
Before taking his office, the President of the Republic shall take the following oath:This oath shall be received by the President of the Constitutional Court before the National Assembly and the Supreme Court.
Vacancy
In case of vacancy of the Presidency of the Republic by death, resignation or permanent impediment, the National Assembly shall reconvene in order to rule on the case with an absolute majority of its members. The President of the National Assembly shall refer the matter to the Constitutional Court which shall certify it and declare the vacancy of the Presidency of the Republic. The duties of President of the Republic, with the exception of those mentioned in Articles 54 paragraph 3, 50, 60, 101, and 154 shall be temporarily exercised by the President of the National Assembly.The election of a new President of the Republic shall take place thirty days at the least and forty days at most after the declaration of the permanent nature of the vacancy.
In case of bringing an accusation of the President of the Republic before the High Court of Justice, his interim shall be assumed by the President of the Constitutional Court who shall exercise all the duties of President of the Republic with the exception of those mentioned in Articles 54 paragraph 3, 58, 60, 101 and 154.
In case of absence from the territory, of illness and of vacation of the President of the Republic, his interim shall be assumed by a member of the Government whom he shall have designated and within the limitation of powers that he shall have delegated to him.