Upcoming Elections
Nigeria General – February 16, 2019
BBC reports: “Nigeria’s vice-president has said he is “safe and sound” after surviving a helicopter crash as he was on his way to an election campaign rally.”
Presidential candidate Oby (Obiageli) Ezekwesili has withdrawn from the election and now intends to build a coalition that would provide an alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party of incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), whose presidential candidate is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s two dominant political parties. Ezekwesili had been running a campaign focused on issues – unusual in Nigeria, where politics are dominated by other factors.
Nigerian writer Chibundu Onuzo believes that politics could be changing for the better.
Senegal Presidential – February 24
Radio France International reports: “In Senegal, campaigning has begun for presidential elections ahead of the first round on 24 February. Five candidates will contest the vote, including incumbent Macky Sall – but two prominent opposition figures have been excluded.”
Guinea-Bissau Legislative – March 10, 2019
France 24 reports: “UN Security Council ambassadors will travel to Guinea-Bissau this month to press for peaceful elections that could pave the way to a lifting of international sanctions, the council president said Friday.”
Comoros Snap Presidential – March 24, 2019
The Supreme Court in Comoros has rejected four presidential candidates. Comoros remains in political crisis following a controversial referendum to extend presidential term limits.
Malawi Tripartite (Presidential, Legislative, Local) – May 21, 2019
Election violence, mostly targeting the opposition, is on the rise ahead of May elections. Vice President Saulos Chilima and former president Joyce Banda have united to form a joint opposition alliance.
Madagascar Legislative – May 27, 2019
The Madagascar government has proposed May 27 for legislative elections, following turbulent presidential elections. The mandates of the current legislators end this week, and elections had originally been scheduled for March. Mamy Rabenirina, an opposition member of parliament, has said that this timetable is better than nothing as the opposition had feared the government would not hold the elections at all.
Central African Republic – Presidential and Legislative Due in 2020
Russia has been ramping up its military and diplomatic activities all over Africa, including in the CAR. Sergey Sukhankin at the Jamestown Foundation writes: “More likely, Russia’s involvement in the CAR is a façade for actions of much greater scope and outreach.”
Al Jazeera reports: “The Central African Republic (CAR) and 14 armed groups have reached a peace deal during talks in Sudan‘s capital on Saturday, the CAR government and the United Nations have said.”
Sudan – Due in 2020
Protests continue in Sudan. President Omar al-Bashir said a change of government would only take place via the ballot box, not because of social media. Protests against Bashir have been going on since December, and the resulting crackdown has led to 53 dead and 2,000 injured. Bashir’s former adviser Ghazi Salaheddine Atabani, who resigned from the ruling party in 2013, said: “There seems to be a new national spirit, a yearning for the future. Somehow hope is beginning to creep again into the hearts and minds of the Sudanese.”
Uganda Presidential – 2021
CNN reports: “Pop star turned MP Bobi Wine is making plans for a bigger political stage in the country and says he has launched a grassroots movement for young people aimed at challenging the country’s longtime leader President Yoweri Museveni.”
Past Elections
Democratic Republic of the Congo General – December 31, 2019
Robie Grammar and Jefcoate O’Donnell in Foreign Policy: “How Washington Got on Board With Congo’s Rigged Election”
France24 reports: “Congo opposition leader Martin Fayulu pronounced his first speech during a rally on Saturday since losing a disputed election, rejecting any outreach by the new president, Félix Tshisekedi, and calling for ‘peaceful resistance.’”
Fergal Keane at the BBC asks: “Why has the mute button been pressed on Africa?”
Togo Legislative – December 20, 2019
Nick Bailey at Freedom House: “Elections in Togo: What Happens When the World Isn’t Watching”
Cameroon Presidential – October 7, 2018
Robbie Corey-Boulet in World Politics Review: “Biya Resorts to Familiar Tactics in Silencing Cameroon’s Opposition.”
BBC reports: “Cameroon’s main opposition leader, Maurice Kamto, has been charged with insurrection, his lawyers say. If found guilty, Mr Kamto, who was arrested on Monday, could face a prison term of five years to life, the BBC’s Killian Ngala Chimtom reports. The Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) leader lost to long-time ruler Paul Biya in last year’s presidential poll.”
The opposition cancelled planned protests over the weekend.
Ghana General – December 2016
The candidate from Ghana’s main opposition National Democratic Congress pulled put of a by-election in the capital, Accra, after violent attacks. Since 1992, Ghana has held competitive elections with peaceful transfers of power between the main political parties.
Africa This Week – February 4, 2019
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Last Updated: February 14, 2019 by 21votes
Each day, 21votes gathers election and political news from a different region of the world. We explore Africa on Mondays. Click the map pins.
Nigeria General - February 16, 2019
BBC reports: “Nigeria’s vice-president has said he is “safe and sound” after surviving a helicopter crash as he was on his way to an election campaign rally.”
Presidential candidate Oby (Obiageli) Ezekwesili has withdrawn from the election and now intends to build a coalition that would provide an alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party of incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), whose presidential candidate is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s two dominant political parties. Ezekwesili had been running a campaign focused on issues – unusual in Nigeria, where politics are dominated by other factors.
Nigerian writer Chibundu Onuzo believes that politics could be changing for the better.
Senegal Presidential - February 24
Radio France International reports: “In Senegal, campaigning has begun for presidential elections ahead of the first round on 24 February. Five candidates will contest the vote, including incumbent Macky Sall – but two prominent opposition figures have been excluded.”
Guinea-Bissau Legislative - March 10, 2019
France 24 reports: “UN Security Council ambassadors will travel to Guinea-Bissau this month to press for peaceful elections that could pave the way to a lifting of international sanctions, the council president said Friday.”
Comoros Snap Presidential - March 24, 2019
The Supreme Court in Comoros has rejected four presidential candidates. Comoros remains in political crisis following a controversial referendum to extend presidential term limits.
Malawi Tripartite (Presidential, Legislative, Local) - May 21, 2019
Election violence, mostly targeting the opposition, is on the rise ahead of May elections. Vice President Saulos Chilima and former president Joyce Banda have united to form a joint opposition alliance.
Madagascar Legislative - May 27, 2019
The Madagascar government has proposed May 27 for legislative elections, following turbulent presidential elections. The mandates of the current legislators end this week, and elections had originally been scheduled for March. Mamy Rabenirina, an opposition member of parliament, has said that this timetable is better than nothing as the opposition had feared the government would not hold the elections at all.
Central African Republic - Presidential and Legislative Due in 2020
Russia has been ramping up its military and diplomatic activities all over Africa, including in the CAR. Sergey Sukhankin at the Jamestown Foundation writes: “More likely, Russia’s involvement in the CAR is a façade for actions of much greater scope and outreach.”
Al Jazeera reports: “The Central African Republic (CAR) and 14 armed groups have reached a peace deal during talks in Sudan‘s capital on Saturday, the CAR government and the United Nations have said.”
Sudan - Due in 2020
Protests continue in Sudan. President Omar al-Bashir said a change of government would only take place via the ballot box, not because of social media. Protests against Bashir have been going on since December, and the resulting crackdown has led to 53 dead and 2,000 injured. Bashir’s former adviser Ghazi Salaheddine Atabani, who resigned from the ruling party in 2013, said: “There seems to be a new national spirit, a yearning for the future. Somehow hope is beginning to creep again into the hearts and minds of the Sudanese.”
Uganda Presidential - 2021
CNN reports: “Pop star turned MP Bobi Wine is making plans for a bigger political stage in the country and says he has launched a grassroots movement for young people aimed at challenging the country’s longtime leader President Yoweri Museveni.”
Democratic Republic of the Congo General - December 31, 2019
Robie Grammar and Jefcoate O’Donnell in Foreign Policy: “How Washington Got on Board With Congo’s Rigged Election”
France24 reports: “Congo opposition leader Martin Fayulu pronounced his first speech during a rally on Saturday since losing a disputed election, rejecting any outreach by the new president, Félix Tshisekedi, and calling for ‘peaceful resistance.’”
Fergal Keane at the BBC asks: “Why has the mute button been pressed on Africa?”
Togo Legislative - December 20, 2019
Nick Bailey at Freedom House: “Elections in Togo: What Happens When the World Isn’t Watching”
Cameroon Presidential - October 7, 2018
Robbie Corey-Boulet in World Politics Review: “Biya Resorts to Familiar Tactics in Silencing Cameroon’s Opposition.”
BBC reports: “Cameroon’s main opposition leader, Maurice Kamto, has been charged with insurrection, his lawyers say. If found guilty, Mr Kamto, who was arrested on Monday, could face a prison term of five years to life, the BBC’s Killian Ngala Chimtom reports. The Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) leader lost to long-time ruler Paul Biya in last year’s presidential poll.”
https://twitter.com/VanguardAfrica/status/1091334931303809024
The opposition cancelled planned protests over the weekend.
Ghana General - December 2016
The candidate from Ghana’s main opposition National Democratic Congress pulled put of a by-election in the capital, Accra, after violent attacks. Since 1992, Ghana has held competitive elections with peaceful transfers of power between the main political parties.
Upcoming Elections
Nigeria General – February 16, 2019
BBC reports: “Nigeria’s vice-president has said he is “safe and sound” after surviving a helicopter crash as he was on his way to an election campaign rally.”
Presidential candidate Oby (Obiageli) Ezekwesili has withdrawn from the election and now intends to build a coalition that would provide an alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party of incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), whose presidential candidate is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s two dominant political parties. Ezekwesili had been running a campaign focused on issues – unusual in Nigeria, where politics are dominated by other factors.
Nigerian writer Chibundu Onuzo believes that politics could be changing for the better.
Senegal Presidential – February 24
Radio France International reports: “In Senegal, campaigning has begun for presidential elections ahead of the first round on 24 February. Five candidates will contest the vote, including incumbent Macky Sall – but two prominent opposition figures have been excluded.”
Guinea-Bissau Legislative – March 10, 2019
France 24 reports: “UN Security Council ambassadors will travel to Guinea-Bissau this month to press for peaceful elections that could pave the way to a lifting of international sanctions, the council president said Friday.”
Comoros Snap Presidential – March 24, 2019
The Supreme Court in Comoros has rejected four presidential candidates. Comoros remains in political crisis following a controversial referendum to extend presidential term limits.
Malawi Tripartite (Presidential, Legislative, Local) – May 21, 2019
Election violence, mostly targeting the opposition, is on the rise ahead of May elections. Vice President Saulos Chilima and former president Joyce Banda have united to form a joint opposition alliance.
Madagascar Legislative – May 27, 2019
The Madagascar government has proposed May 27 for legislative elections, following turbulent presidential elections. The mandates of the current legislators end this week, and elections had originally been scheduled for March. Mamy Rabenirina, an opposition member of parliament, has said that this timetable is better than nothing as the opposition had feared the government would not hold the elections at all.
Central African Republic – Presidential and Legislative Due in 2020
Russia has been ramping up its military and diplomatic activities all over Africa, including in the CAR. Sergey Sukhankin at the Jamestown Foundation writes: “More likely, Russia’s involvement in the CAR is a façade for actions of much greater scope and outreach.”
Al Jazeera reports: “The Central African Republic (CAR) and 14 armed groups have reached a peace deal during talks in Sudan‘s capital on Saturday, the CAR government and the United Nations have said.”
Sudan – Due in 2020
Protests continue in Sudan. President Omar al-Bashir said a change of government would only take place via the ballot box, not because of social media. Protests against Bashir have been going on since December, and the resulting crackdown has led to 53 dead and 2,000 injured. Bashir’s former adviser Ghazi Salaheddine Atabani, who resigned from the ruling party in 2013, said: “There seems to be a new national spirit, a yearning for the future. Somehow hope is beginning to creep again into the hearts and minds of the Sudanese.”
Uganda Presidential – 2021
CNN reports: “Pop star turned MP Bobi Wine is making plans for a bigger political stage in the country and says he has launched a grassroots movement for young people aimed at challenging the country’s longtime leader President Yoweri Museveni.”
Past Elections
Democratic Republic of the Congo General – December 31, 2019
Robie Grammar and Jefcoate O’Donnell in Foreign Policy: “How Washington Got on Board With Congo’s Rigged Election”
France24 reports: “Congo opposition leader Martin Fayulu pronounced his first speech during a rally on Saturday since losing a disputed election, rejecting any outreach by the new president, Félix Tshisekedi, and calling for ‘peaceful resistance.’”
Fergal Keane at the BBC asks: “Why has the mute button been pressed on Africa?”
Togo Legislative – December 20, 2019
Nick Bailey at Freedom House: “Elections in Togo: What Happens When the World Isn’t Watching”
Cameroon Presidential – October 7, 2018
Robbie Corey-Boulet in World Politics Review: “Biya Resorts to Familiar Tactics in Silencing Cameroon’s Opposition.”
BBC reports: “Cameroon’s main opposition leader, Maurice Kamto, has been charged with insurrection, his lawyers say. If found guilty, Mr Kamto, who was arrested on Monday, could face a prison term of five years to life, the BBC’s Killian Ngala Chimtom reports. The Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) leader lost to long-time ruler Paul Biya in last year’s presidential poll.”
The opposition cancelled planned protests over the weekend.
Ghana General – December 2016
The candidate from Ghana’s main opposition National Democratic Congress pulled put of a by-election in the capital, Accra, after violent attacks. Since 1992, Ghana has held competitive elections with peaceful transfers of power between the main political parties.
The Year Ahead: Africa
Nigeria general (February 16); Senegal presidential (February 24); Nigeria Rivers state gubernatorial and state legislature (March 2); Guinea legislative (overdue – mandates of current legislators expired January 13 – date not set for new elections – some arguing for April 4); Guinea-Bissau legislative (delayed to March 10 – further delays possible); Comoros, snap presidential and regional (March 24); Guinea-Bissau presidential (scheduled for April – delays possible); Mali legislative (scheduled for April – tentative); Mauritania legislative (scheduled for May – tentative); South Africa legislative and provincial (May 5); Malawi tripartite – presidential, legislative, local (May 21); Madagascar parliamentary (May 27); Botswana parliamentary (October); Mozambique presidential, legislative, provincial (October 15); Namibia presidential and legislative (November); Somalia, Somaliland congressional and local (November 1, 2019 – tentative); Mauritius legislative (December or January)
21votes does not necessarily endorse all of the views in all of the linked articles or publications. Election dates can change – please let us know if a date has changed.
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Category: This Week Tags: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Togo, Uganda