Former Benin President Patrice Talon has been elected President of the country’s Senate, becoming the first person to lead the newly established upper chamber of Parliament.
Talon was elected to the position on August 6, 2026, and will serve as Senate President for the five-year parliamentary term ending in 2031.
He secured 24 votes in the election, with only one senator abstaining and no votes cast against him.
New Senate Leadership Appointed
Former National Assembly Speaker Louis Vlavonou was elected Vice President of the Senate, while former Interior Minister Alassane Seidou was appointed Secretary, with Adidjatou Mathys elected as his deputy.
Following his election, Talon pledged to focus on strengthening national unity, stability, peace, and democracy in Benin.
Senate Establishment Completed
The election marked the final step in the establishment of the Senate. Senators were sworn in on July 30 in Porto-Novo before adopting the chamber’s rules of procedure.
On August 3, Benin’s Constitutional Court ruled that the Senate’s internal rules were consistent with the Constitution, clearing the way for the election of its leadership.
Benin Moves to Bicameral Parliament
The creation of the Senate stems from a constitutional amendment signed on December 17, 2025, which transformed Benin’s Parliament from a unicameral legislature into a bicameral one.
Talon’s Political Legacy
Patrice Talon, 68, served as President of Benin from 2016 to 2026, completing the two terms permitted under the Constitution. He was succeeded by Romuald Wadagni, who assumed office on May 24, 2026.
