A number of African countries will be having their Presidential elections this year, with numerous countries heading to the polls to elect new leaders and representatives. General elections can offer Africans the opportunity to strengthen their governance frameworks. Burundi, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic are amongst the countries set to hold presidential and legislative elections. These elections are crucial for the future of these nations, as they will determine the direction of their governments and economies.
Comoros and Egypt are also scheduled to hold parliamentary elections, while Ivory Coast and Malawi will hold presidential elections. Seychelles will also hold a general election whilst South Africa will hold local government elections. Namibia and Togo are also expected to hold elections, although the exact dates have not been confirmed. Ivory Coast’s presidential election is expected to be highly contested with several candidates already declaring their intention to run. In a historic first for Africa, Simone Gbagbo, the ex-wife of former President Laurent Gbagbo, will run against her former husband in the presidential election.
The people of Gabon may get a chance at democracy in 2025, marking the country’s first elections since the Bongo dynasty was overthrown in the 2023 coup. Tanzania’s democracy may be on the ballot in its national elections this year. Africa’s fifth most populous country began holding multiparty elections in the early 1990s, but its politics have been dominated for six decades by the Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Party. All signs point to Samia running for reelection as the CCM’s candidate. Her main opponent looks to be Tundu Lissu, the deputy leader of Chadema.
The elections in Africa in 2025 cover a wide range of countries and political events. Here are some of the countries where major elections will take place.
| Country | Election Events | Date |
| Burundi | National Assembly | June / July 2025 |
| Burkina Faso | President and Parliamentarian | 2025 |
| Cameroon | President | 2025 |
| Parliamentary and Local Extended After Elections | ||
| Central African Republic | President and Parliamentarian | December 2025 |
| Ivory Coast | Generate | October 2025 |
| Comoros | Union Assemblies | 2025 |
| Egypt | House of Representatives and Senate | End 2025 |
| Equatorial Guinea | House of Representatives and Senate | 2025 |
| Gabon | President and Legislative | August 2025 |
| Malawi | President First Round | By September 2025 |
| Namibia | Local and Regional Councils | 2025 |
| Niger | General | 2025 |
| Seychelles | President and National Assembly | 27 September 2025 |
| United Republic of Tanzania | General | By October 2025 |
| Togo | President | February 2025 |
| Tunisia | House of Councillors | 2025 |
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* Source: Council on Foreign Relations; The Brookings Institution; Africa Chronicle; My Afrika Magazine.
