UN General Assembly
2011

Benin, my Government has been working to consolidate cooperative governance at both the national and local levels, so as to maximize the impact of the resources that have been mobilized and earmarked for the promotion of the well-being of all the citizens of our country. Accordingly, far-reaching reforms have been undertaken to reorganize the State and rid the country of the structural and behavioural incoherence that has impeded the State in its efforts to govern effectively. The strengthening of democratic institutions and a fresh balance of powers is at the very heart of the constitutional review that is under discussion. Such a review must in no way affect the principal mechanisms that ensure the alternance of power, that is, the number of terms allowed the President of the Republic — strictly limited to two — and the age limitation of 11-51670 38 70 years, beyond which one cannot run for the highest office in Benin. The fight against corruption is a crucial aspect of that effort to streamline the State apparatus. The