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 (not counting two acting presidents, several interim military officeholders and a collective presidency). Additionally, one person, Mathieu Kérékou, has served on two non-consecutive occasions. In 2025, a constitutional amendment lengthened the president's term from five years to seven years.
Description of the office
Election
The president is elected by universal suffrage for seven years. They are limited to two terms, whether successive or separated.
Presidential candidates must be:
:# Beninese citizens by birth, or a naturalised citizen for at least 10 years.
:# Possess "good morality" and "great honesty."
:# Enjoy his civil and political rights.
:# Between 40 and 70 years old at the time of filing.
:# A resident of Benin at the time of the election.
:# Must have their physical and mental well-being duly verified by a collegiate board of three doctors sworn and designated by the Constitutional Court.
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.
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.
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.