Election in Benin: Local Actions for Lasting Peace

With the 2026 presidential election in Benin approaching, peacebuilding, the prevention of electoral violence, and transparency in the democratic process are major challenges. In this context, the Réseau Africain pour le Maintien de la Paix (RAMP-BENIN) is distinguishing itself through a series of strategic actions combining digital awareness-raising, citizen mobilization, and election observation, to contribute to a peaceful, credible, and inclusive election. 

A preventive commitment to peaceful presidential elections

With its extensive experience in peace and human security, RAMP-BENIN approaches electoral intervention from a conflict-prevention and social-cohesion-strengthening perspective. The organization places particular emphasis on the role of young people, who are often exploited during election periods, positioning them instead as agents of peace and democratic stability.

Faced with the rise of hate speech, disinformation, and political tensions observed in several electoral contexts in West Africa, RAMP-BENIN has opted for a proactive approach based largely on digital technology, a powerful tool for large-scale mobilization and awareness-raising.

The “25 Days of Activism for Peaceful 2026 Presidential Elections” campaign

One of the flagship initiatives currently underway is the digital campaign “25 Days of Activism for Peaceful 2026 Presidential Elections,” initiated and led by RAMP-BENIN. This campaign aims to maintain a strong communication dynamic around the values of peace, tolerance, and civic responsibility.

Through daily messages, visuals, and calls for citizen engagement, the campaign has reached more than 4,000 people in 15 days, with two posters published every day, highlighting:

• The rejection of all forms of electoral violence;
• The promotion of mutual respect and democratic dialogue;
• Individual and collective responsibility in preserving peace.

This initiative is aimed primarily at young people, community leaders, and civil society actors, with the ambition of creating a social climate conducive to peaceful elections before, during, and after the vote.

Partnership around the “Peace in Benin” campaign

In a spirit of synergy with other civil society actors, RAMP-BENIN is also a partner in the “Peace in Benin” campaign, led by OPAJ-PIA. In this context, RAMP-BENIN shares and amplifies the campaign's content on its own digital channels, thereby helping to broaden the reach of messages promoting social cohesion and non-violence.

This partnership reflects the organization's desire to pool efforts for a stronger collective impact, convinced that electoral peace is a shared responsibility.

Recruitment and deployment of accredited election observers

Beyond raising awareness, RAMP-BENIN plays an active role in promoting electoral transparency. The organization has officially launched a recruitment drive for election observers, a major initiative in the context of the 2026 presidential election.

Accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENA), RAMP-BENIN plans to deploy observers throughout the country to monitor the voting process. This mission aims to:

• Monitor violence;
• Contribute to the credibility of the electoral process;
• Observe compliance with electoral procedures;
• Strengthen citizens' confidence in the results of the polls.

The registration of election observers is still ongoing, offering many committed citizens the opportunity to actively participate in the consolidation of Beninese democracy. 

Citizen mobilization in the service of democracy

Through its digital campaigns, strategic partnerships, and election observation program, RAMP-BENIN works to promote peaceful and responsible citizen participation. The organization encourages people to engage positively in the electoral process, while rejecting behaviors that could undermine national stability.

All of these actions demonstrate RAMP-BENIN's ongoing commitment to lasting peace, democratic governance, and human security. In a sensitive electoral context, the organization makes a significant contribution to crisis prevention and the promotion of a democratic culture based on dialogue and respect.

With the 2026 presidential election on the horizon, RAMP-BENIN is positioning itself as a key civil society actor, working to make this election a moment of peacebuilding and democratic consolidation in Benin.

In summary, RAMP-BENIN carries out a series of activities as part of its peacebuilding efforts during election periods. These activities include:

• Discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions dedicated to the prevention of electoral violence; 
• Activities to mobilize religious leaders and community actors for peaceful electoral processes alongside other organizations, as you check out here and here;
• The establishment of a platform for dialogue between security actors and civil society actors;
• Advocacy actions aimed at the Independent National Electoral Commission for inclusive, participatory, and transparent elections;
• Digital awareness campaigns;
• Election observation and violence monitoring activities (currently being rolled out). This system allows us to evaluate our early warning mechanism once it is in place.

To learn more about RAMP-Benin:

Website: www.ramp-afrique.org.