Africa is poised for a transformative year in 2024, with numerous countries gearing up for elections spanning from presidential to parliamentary and local levels. These democratic exercises are expected to shape political landscapes and potentially bring about significant governance changes across the continent.
The electoral calendar kicks off in February with Comoros conducting governors’ elections on the 25th, followed by Togo’s National Assembly and regional elections by the end of March. These early polls set the stage for a year filled with democratic activities.
May witnesses South Africa and Madagascar heading to the polls. South Africa focuses on its National Assembly and local elections, while Madagascar gears up for its parliamentary elections. These elections hold immense significance for addressing internal challenges and charting future developmental paths.
June and July intensify the election schedule, with Mauritania voting for its President and Senate on June 22nd, followed by Rwanda’s Presidential and National Assembly elections on July 15th. These elections are pivotal for ensuring governance continuity and stability in these regions.
October marks another busy period, with Chad, Botswana, and Tunisia hosting significant elections. Chad’s comprehensive polls encompass the President, National Assembly, and local offices, while Botswana and Tunisia focus on their National Assembly and Presidential elections, respectively.
November and December round off the election calendar with Mozambique, Somaliland, Guinea Bissau, and Namibia holding various elections, including presidential and local. Ghana and South Sudan also gear up for comprehensive elections in December, closing the year on a note of anticipation for the future.
Additionally, Senegal, Cabo Verde, Mali, Mauritius, and Algeria are expected to hold elections in 2024, although specific dates are yet to be confirmed. These elections are eagerly awaited as they play critical roles in each country’s democratic processes.
List of African countries going to the polls this year
February 2024
25 February: Comoros (Governors)
March 2024
By end of March: Togo (National Assembly + Regional)
May 2024
South Africa (National Assembly + Local)
Madagascar (Parliamentary)
June 2024
22 June: Mauritania (President + Senate)
July 2024
15 July: Rwanda (President + National Assembly)
October 2024
Chad (President + National Assembly + Local)
Botswana (National Assembly + Local)
Tunisia (President)
November 2024
Mozambique (President + National Assembly + Local)
Somaliland (President)
Guinea Bissau (President)
Namibia (President + National Assembly)
December 2024
7 December: Ghana (President + National Assembly)
South Sudan (President + National Assembly + Local)
Unspecified Date in 2024
Senegal (President)
Cabo Verde (Local)
Mali (President – delayed from February)
Mauritius (General)
Algeria (President)
The year 2024 underscores Africa’s commitment to democracy and governance. With a diverse mix of democracies and transitioning states, the continent showcases its engagement in political processes and the universal desire for stable governance. As these elections unfold, they will not only determine the leadership and direction of individual countries but also contribute to Africa’s broader democratic narrative.
The outcomes of these elections are poised to have a lasting impact on Africa’s political, economic, and social landscapes. The global community watches closely as Africa takes bold strides toward its democratic future.
*(Please note that this article is based on information available as of February 2024 and is subject to change. For the most up-to-date election schedules and outcomes, readers are encouraged to consult reliable sources and election monitoring bodies.)*
The information compiled in this article was sourced from African Arguments and the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), highlighting the significance of the 2024 election year across the African continent.
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