Upcoming Elections in the News
Togo Legislative – December 20, 2019
The Togo opposition has returned to the streets to demand the delay of elections scheduled for this week, and in the wake of a December 16 referendum on term limits and local elections. Opposition activist Wolali Ahlijah explains that Togo’s political crisis has been going on since August 2017: “Back then, the dominant sentiment among the population was one of quiet contempt for the government or resigned indifference. But since then, this has developed – somewhat unexpectedly – into widespread anger. Under the banner of Togo Debout (‘Togo Rise Up’) and Faure Must Go, and spearheaded by a coalition of 14 political parties known as C14, protesters have repeatedly made their voices heard. They have demanded the reinstatement of the constitution adopted by referendum in 1992 and the right for vote for Togolese in the diaspora.” The opposition believes that the elections will not be free or fair.
Madagascar Presidential Runoff – December 19, 2019
Analyst Cornelia Tremann on how the bitter rivalry between the two candidates raises the stakes in Madagascar’s presidential runoff this week.
Somalia, Southwest State – December 19, 2019
Muhktar Robow, the former number two leader of the al-Shabab terrorist group and a leading candidate for the regional presidency, has been arrested. Voice of America reports that twelve people died during three days of clashes in Baidoa, capital of Southwest State, following the arrest, and 200 civilians have been arrested in connection with the violence. Some Somali leaders have called for the elections to be postponed again, but they are still scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 19.
Democratic Republic of the Congo General – December 23, 2018
VOA profiles Congolese voters who want change ahead of this month’s long-delayed elections. If the elections happen successfully, they will bring forth the DRC’s first peaceful, democratic transition of power. But there are concerns that the elections won’t be free or fair, and that outgoing president Joseph Kabila plans to pull a Putin and hold onto power from behind the scenes. Popular opposition leaders Jean-Pierre Bemba and Moise Katumbi been banned from the presidential race.
Nigeria General – February 16, 2019
The Nigerian Independent profiles Nigeria’s only female presidential candidate, Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former World Bank official and leader of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. While Nigerian politics revolves around two major parties, John Campbell at the Council of Foreign Relations points out that minor candidates often seek to change the discourse and make elections about issues rather than personalities, and argues that “the possibility of a serious challenge to the traditional mode of Nigerian presidential governance should be monitored, rather than dismissed.”
Malawi Tripartite (presidential, local legislative) – May 21, 2019
Parties are continuing to hold conventions and other activities to select candidates for Malawi’s May elections.
South Africa Parliamentary – May 2019
The ruling African National Congress has postponed its party conference to select candidates for the May elections.
Other Regional News and Views
Burundi
The BBC reports: “Burundi’s authorities have dismissed a BBC investigation into alleged secret torture sites as ‘fake news.’ The BBC Africa Eye report said the government was running secret detention houses to silence dissent. It showed footage, widely shared on social media, of blood flowing from the drain of a house in the capital.” Since 2015, Burundian authorities have been repressing the opposition, most recently including the detention of Arielle, a young feminist activist.
Cameroon
Washington Post reports: “In Cameroon, where English-speaking separatists are fighting the largely French-speaking government to establish a new nation, journalists covering the violence are increasingly finding themselves behind bars on a surprising charge: fake news….Press advocates see a recent uptick in accusations of fake news as the government’s attempt to stifle journalists reporting on the growing internal crisis.”
Comoros
Four Comoros opposition leaders have been sentenced to life in prison.
Ethiopia
Washington Post reports: “Local media in Ethiopia say a court has sentenced 66 soldiers to prison after they marched on the prime minister’s office earlier this year in what he later described as an attempt to derail dramatic reforms.”
Liberia
The Carter Center released its final report on Liberia’s 2017 elections: “While the fundamental rights of justice and access to an effective remedy were broadly respected, elements of Liberia’s electoral dispute-resolution system should be reviewed to avoid the potential for constitutional crises in the future.”
Journalism
South African journalist Tshepo Tshabalala urges fact-checking in reporting on the thirteen African countries expected to hold elections in 2019, noting some initiatives already underway in Nigeria and South Africa.
Russian Influence in Africa
Russia is ramping up its diplomatic and military presence in Africa. Florian Elabdi reports on their activities on the ground in the Central African Republic. Bloomberg reports on the activities of Yevgeny Prigozhin, indicted in the U.S for his involvement in the troll factory that attempted to influence American elections and now focused on Africa: “Prigozhin and his hodgepodge of contract soldiers and political operatives are offering security, arms training and electioneering services in exchange for mining rights and other opportunities, two people familiar with the matter said. He’s already active in or moving into 10 countries that Russia’s military already has relationships with: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Libya, Madagascar, Angola, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and the Central African Republic.”
21votes does not necessarily endorse all of the views in all of the linked articles.
Africa This Week – December 17, 2018
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Last Updated: December 24, 2018 by 21votes
Africa This Week – December 17, 2018
Each day, 21votes gathers election and political news from a different region of the world. Mondays we explore Africa.
Togo Legislative - December 20, 2019
The Togo opposition has returned to the streets to demand the delay of elections scheduled for this week, and in the wake of a December 16 referendum on term limits and local elections. Opposition activist Wolali Ahlijah explains that Togo’s political crisis has been going on since August 2017: “Back then, the dominant sentiment among the population was one of quiet contempt for the government or resigned indifference. But since then, this has developed – somewhat unexpectedly – into widespread anger. Under the banner of Togo Debout (‘Togo Rise Up’) and Faure Must Go, and spearheaded by a coalition of 14 political parties known as C14, protesters have repeatedly made their voices heard. They have demanded the reinstatement of the constitution adopted by referendum in 1992 and the right for vote for Togolese in the diaspora.” The opposition believes that the elections will not be free or fair.
Madagascar Presidential Runoff - December 19, 2019
Analyst Cornelia Tremann on how the bitter rivalry between the two candidates raises the stakes in Madagascar’s presidential runoff this week.
Somalia, Southwest State - December 19, 2019
Muhktar Robow, the former number two leader of the al-Shabab terrorist group and a leading candidate for the regional presidency, has been arrested. Voice of America reports that twelve people died during three days of clashes in Baidoa, capital of Southwest State, following the arrest, and 200 civilians have been arrested in connection with the violence. Some Somali leaders have called for the elections to be postponed again, but they are still scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 19.
Democratic Republic of the Congo General - December 23, 2018
VOA profiles Congolese voters who want change ahead of this month’s long-delayed elections. If the elections happen successfully, they will bring forth the DRC’s first peaceful, democratic transition of power. But there are concerns that the elections won’t be free or fair, and that outgoing president Joseph Kabila plans to pull a Putin and hold onto power from behind the scenes. Popular opposition leaders Jean-Pierre Bemba and Moise Katumbi been banned from the presidential race.
Nigeria General - February 16, 2019
The Nigerian Independent profiles Nigeria’s only female presidential candidate, Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former World Bank official and leader of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. While Nigerian politics revolves around two major parties, John Campbell at the Council of Foreign Relations points out that minor candidates often seek to change the discourse and make elections about issues rather than personalities, and argues that “the possibility of a serious challenge to the traditional mode of Nigerian presidential governance should be monitored, rather than dismissed.”
Malawi Tripartite (presidential, local legislative) - May 21, 2019
Parties are continuing to hold conventions and other activities to select candidates for Malawi’s May elections.
South Africa Parliamentary - May 2019
The ruling African National Congress has postponed its party conference to select candidates for the May elections.
Burundi
The BBC reports: “Burundi’s authorities have dismissed a BBC investigation into alleged secret torture sites as ‘fake news.’ The BBC Africa Eye report said the government was running secret detention houses to silence dissent. It showed footage, widely shared on social media, of blood flowing from the drain of a house in the capital.” Since 2015, Burundian authorities have been repressing the opposition, most recently including the detention of Arielle, a young feminist activist.
Cameroon
Washington Post reports: “In Cameroon, where English-speaking separatists are fighting the largely French-speaking government to establish a new nation, journalists covering the violence are increasingly finding themselves behind bars on a surprising charge: fake news….Press advocates see a recent uptick in accusations of fake news as the government’s attempt to stifle journalists reporting on the growing internal crisis.”
Comoros
Four Comoros opposition leaders have been sentenced to life in prison.
Ethiopia
Washington Post reports: “Local media in Ethiopia say a court has sentenced 66 soldiers to prison after they marched on the prime minister’s office earlier this year in what he later described as an attempt to derail dramatic reforms.”
Liberia
The Carter Center released its final report on Liberia’s 2017 elections: “While the fundamental rights of justice and access to an effective remedy were broadly respected, elements of Liberia’s electoral dispute-resolution system should be reviewed to avoid the potential for constitutional crises in the future.”
Journalism
South African journalist Tshepo Tshabalala urges fact-checking in reporting on the thirteen African countries expected to hold elections in 2019, noting some initiatives already underway in Nigeria and South Africa.
Russian Influence
Russia is ramping up its diplomatic and military presence in Africa. Florian Elabdi reports on their activities on the ground in the Central African Republic. Bloomberg reports on the activities of Yevgeny Prigozhin, indicted in the U.S for his involvement in the troll factory that attempted to influence American elections and now focused on Africa: “Prigozhin and his hodgepodge of contract soldiers and political operatives are offering security, arms training and electioneering services in exchange for mining rights and other opportunities, two people familiar with the matter said. He’s already active in or moving into 10 countries that Russia’s military already has relationships with: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Libya, Madagascar, Angola, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and the Central African Republic.”
Upcoming Elections in the News
Togo Legislative – December 20, 2019
The Togo opposition has returned to the streets to demand the delay of elections scheduled for this week, and in the wake of a December 16 referendum on term limits and local elections. Opposition activist Wolali Ahlijah explains that Togo’s political crisis has been going on since August 2017: “Back then, the dominant sentiment among the population was one of quiet contempt for the government or resigned indifference. But since then, this has developed – somewhat unexpectedly – into widespread anger. Under the banner of Togo Debout (‘Togo Rise Up’) and Faure Must Go, and spearheaded by a coalition of 14 political parties known as C14, protesters have repeatedly made their voices heard. They have demanded the reinstatement of the constitution adopted by referendum in 1992 and the right for vote for Togolese in the diaspora.” The opposition believes that the elections will not be free or fair.
Madagascar Presidential Runoff – December 19, 2019
Analyst Cornelia Tremann on how the bitter rivalry between the two candidates raises the stakes in Madagascar’s presidential runoff this week.
Somalia, Southwest State – December 19, 2019
Muhktar Robow, the former number two leader of the al-Shabab terrorist group and a leading candidate for the regional presidency, has been arrested. Voice of America reports that twelve people died during three days of clashes in Baidoa, capital of Southwest State, following the arrest, and 200 civilians have been arrested in connection with the violence. Some Somali leaders have called for the elections to be postponed again, but they are still scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 19.
Democratic Republic of the Congo General – December 23, 2018
VOA profiles Congolese voters who want change ahead of this month’s long-delayed elections. If the elections happen successfully, they will bring forth the DRC’s first peaceful, democratic transition of power. But there are concerns that the elections won’t be free or fair, and that outgoing president Joseph Kabila plans to pull a Putin and hold onto power from behind the scenes. Popular opposition leaders Jean-Pierre Bemba and Moise Katumbi been banned from the presidential race.
Nigeria General – February 16, 2019
The Nigerian Independent profiles Nigeria’s only female presidential candidate, Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former World Bank official and leader of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. While Nigerian politics revolves around two major parties, John Campbell at the Council of Foreign Relations points out that minor candidates often seek to change the discourse and make elections about issues rather than personalities, and argues that “the possibility of a serious challenge to the traditional mode of Nigerian presidential governance should be monitored, rather than dismissed.”
Malawi Tripartite (presidential, local legislative) – May 21, 2019
Parties are continuing to hold conventions and other activities to select candidates for Malawi’s May elections.
South Africa Parliamentary – May 2019
The ruling African National Congress has postponed its party conference to select candidates for the May elections.
Other Regional News and Views
Burundi
The BBC reports: “Burundi’s authorities have dismissed a BBC investigation into alleged secret torture sites as ‘fake news.’ The BBC Africa Eye report said the government was running secret detention houses to silence dissent. It showed footage, widely shared on social media, of blood flowing from the drain of a house in the capital.” Since 2015, Burundian authorities have been repressing the opposition, most recently including the detention of Arielle, a young feminist activist.
Cameroon
Washington Post reports: “In Cameroon, where English-speaking separatists are fighting the largely French-speaking government to establish a new nation, journalists covering the violence are increasingly finding themselves behind bars on a surprising charge: fake news….Press advocates see a recent uptick in accusations of fake news as the government’s attempt to stifle journalists reporting on the growing internal crisis.”
Comoros
Four Comoros opposition leaders have been sentenced to life in prison.
Ethiopia
Washington Post reports: “Local media in Ethiopia say a court has sentenced 66 soldiers to prison after they marched on the prime minister’s office earlier this year in what he later described as an attempt to derail dramatic reforms.”
Liberia
The Carter Center released its final report on Liberia’s 2017 elections: “While the fundamental rights of justice and access to an effective remedy were broadly respected, elements of Liberia’s electoral dispute-resolution system should be reviewed to avoid the potential for constitutional crises in the future.”
Journalism
South African journalist Tshepo Tshabalala urges fact-checking in reporting on the thirteen African countries expected to hold elections in 2019, noting some initiatives already underway in Nigeria and South Africa.
Russian Influence in Africa
Russia is ramping up its diplomatic and military presence in Africa. Florian Elabdi reports on their activities on the ground in the Central African Republic. Bloomberg reports on the activities of Yevgeny Prigozhin, indicted in the U.S for his involvement in the troll factory that attempted to influence American elections and now focused on Africa: “Prigozhin and his hodgepodge of contract soldiers and political operatives are offering security, arms training and electioneering services in exchange for mining rights and other opportunities, two people familiar with the matter said. He’s already active in or moving into 10 countries that Russia’s military already has relationships with: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Libya, Madagascar, Angola, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and the Central African Republic.”
21votes does not necessarily endorse all of the views in all of the linked articles.
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Category: Uncategorized Tags: Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, DRC, Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, Togo