2015 was a busy year for African elections and next year will be no exception.
January kicks off with Nigeria’s gubernatorial poll, with would-be governors battling it out for a stake in the continent’s fastest-growing economy.
A presidential and parliamentary runoff in the Central African Republic is set to follow- with hopes pinned on the vote returning stability to the war-torn nation. The following month, 15 million Ugandans are expected to head to the polls. Incumbent Yoweri Museveni will have been in power for 30 years.
April sees the tiny east African nation of Djibouti hold its presidential election- Ismail Omar Guelleh, in power for 16 years, had previously said he wouldn’t run for a fourth term but has since refused to confirm that. Chad will also vote for a president- with the opposition currently demanding that incumbent Idriss Deby Itno, in power since 1990, not run for another term.
Against the backdrop of an ailing economy, Zambia’s incumbent Edgar Lungu will face a stern challenge from opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema who he narrowly defeated at the start of this year.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, president Joseph Kabila is due to stand down after 15 years at the helm, but there is growing speculation he may stay on- a date is yet to be given for the poll. North Africa will see local, regional and parliamentary polls held in Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia.
In total, the continent is expected to hold national-level elections in 16 different countries.
JANUARY
Nigeria to hold gubernatorial elections
C.A.R presidential & parliamentary runoff
FEBRUARY
15 million Ugandans to vote in general election
In January Yoweri Museveni will have been in power for 30 years
APRIL
Djibouti Presidential poll: unclear if Ismail Omar Guelleh will seek 4th term
Chad’s opposition urging President Idriss Deby not to run
SEPTEMBER
Edgar Lungu to seek a first full term
- R Congo: President Joseph Kabila may stand down after 15 years in power
NORTH AFRICA
Egypt to hold local elections
Libya to hold constitutional referendum
Morocco to hold parliamentary poll
Tunisia to hold municipal, regional elections
