In 2025, numerous African nations will hold crucial elections, including nine presidential contests, seven legislative elections, two senatorial, and two referendum votes. Countries like Gabon, Burundi, Malawi, and others will provide their citizens the opportunity to influence governance and policy decisions through the ballot, reflecting an active political engagement across the continent.
In 2025, several African nations will participate in crucial elections impacting their political landscapes. Notably, at least nine presidential elections are lined up, along with seven legislative, two senatorial, two municipal elections, and two referendums. This array of elections underscores the continent’s vibrant political activity and the opportunities for citizens to influence governance and policy decisions.
The elections are set to occur in various countries, including Gabon, where presidential elections will take place on April 12, 2025. Following a military coup in August 2023, transitional president Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema is expected to run for re-election in a nation of approximately 2.4 million people.
Burundi plans to hold legislative elections on June 5, followed by senatorial elections on July 23. The ruling party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy, holds the majority in the 123-seat National Assembly, led by President Evariste Ndayishimiye since 2020, in a country inhabited by approximately 13.5 million citizens.
Malawi will conduct both presidential and legislative elections on September 16, 2025. President Lazarus Chakwera, in office since 2020, seeks reelection amid a backdrop where about 2.5 million out of 21.7 million citizens are expected to be eligible voters, highlighting the significance of the upcoming election cycle.
Scheduled for September 27, Seychelles will also elect its president and parliament, with President Wavel Ramkalawan hoping for a second term. With nearly 100,000 inhabitants and 56,730 registered voters, the ruling party recently strengthened its position in the 35-seat National Assembly.
Guinea will return to constitutional governance through a series of elections in late 2025. Transitional president Mamadi Doumbouya, who assumed power via a coup in September 2021, announced plans for a referendum along with municipal, legislative, and presidential elections as part of a phased electoral process.
In Cameroon, presidential elections are anticipated in October 2025. Long-term incumbent President Paul Biya will contest against numerous political figures in a country with a registered voter base of over 7.8 million.
Ivory Coast will also hold presidential elections in October 2025, with President Alassane Ouattara signaling his intention to seek another term. The political landscape includes potential candidates such as former Prime Minister Pascal Affi N’Guessan and several others vying for leadership.
Tanzania, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is scheduled to hold presidential elections in October. Hassan’s administration, which began after the death of John Magufuli in 2021, anticipates significant voter involvement amid a population of approximately 67 million.
Guinea-Bissau will combine its presidential and legislative elections on a date between October 23 and November 25, 2025. Governed by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the country continues its democratic path after recent political developments.
In December, the Central African Republic will also conduct presidential elections, with President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s future candidacy remaining uncertain. The electorate of approximately 5.6 million awaits clarity on the 2025 ballot.
Togo’s first-ever senatorial elections will occur on February 15, 2025, following a political transition to a parliamentary system. Elections secured a dominant position for the ruling Union for the Republic party in prior legislative and regional elections held in April 2024.
The Comoros already made history in 2025 with legislative elections on January 12, where the ruling party emerged strongly. With a rerun for annulled elections on January 30, this process further indicates the dynamic political atmosphere in the island nation, highlighting the commitment to democratic governance.
2025 marks a significant election year across Africa, with numerous nations poised for pivotal electoral events. The continent will see a diverse set of elections ranging from presidential to legislative, reflecting the vibrant political participation of its citizenry. These elections embody opportunities for countries to engage in democratic processes, addressing governance challenges and adaptation following transformative events like coups and constitutional changes.
In summary, 2025 is set to be a vital year for political renewal in Africa, with a multitude of elections poised to reshape leadership and governance. As countries such as Gabon, Burundi, Malawi, and others prepare for their respective electoral processes, the outcomes will play a crucial role in determining the future political landscape of the continent, reinforcing the importance of active citizen participation in these democracies.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
