In accordance with its mandate of promoting free, transparent and credible elections in West Africa, the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) deployed a hybrid post-electoral monitoring mission (PEMM) and needs assessment mission (NAM) from September 15 to 21, 2024 in Cotonou, Benin.   

The Mission, led by Mr. Abdoulaye Sylla, President of Senegal's Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA), was supported by HEM. Amadou Diongue, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, Mr. Serigne Ka, Ag Head of the ECOWAS Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) and electoral experts from ECONEC, International IDEA and EISA. 

The Mission met with various stakeholders in the electoral process, including the Autonomous National Electoral Commission CENA, the Media Regulatory Body (HAAC), the platform of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for the elections, political parties (Bloc Republicain (BR), Les Democrates (LD), and Union des Progressistes pour le Renouveau (UPR)), the Clergy of Benin, the National Identification Agency (ANIP) and UNDP. 

During these meetings, the mission reviewed issues related to the recommendations arising from the 2021 presidential election, and also assessed the prospects for the 2026 electoral process. The mission will draw up and submit a report to the authorities of the ECOWAS Commission. 

The ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions( ECONEC)  is the umbrella organization for electoral management bodies (EMBs) in West Africa. The network was created in February 2008 to promote free, fair and credible elections. Its creation was inspired by the ECOWAS Declaration of Political Principles, which was adopted by the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government in 1991.