Renaissance Vault · Crowdsourced Analytics · Election Diary

Election Diary

A chronological record of Africa's democratic milestones — historical election outcomes and forward-looking projections from 2024 to 2030, maintained to empower researchers, advocates, and citizen monitors.

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2030
2029
2028
2027
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
Scheduled
Completed
Delayed
Uncertain / Transitional
Central African Republic Central African Republic
General
MAY
2030
Scheduled
Projected cycle; stability heavily dependent on international peacekeeping and security sector reform.
Cote d’Ivoire Cote d’Ivoire
General
MAY
2030
Scheduled
Projected cycle under current RHDP governance frameworks.
Egypt Egypt
Presidential
MAY
2030
Scheduled
Scheduled 6-year cycle following constitutional amendments that extended presidential term lengths.
Ethiopia Ethiopia
Presidential
MAY
2030
Scheduled
Scheduled 6-year cycle for the ceremonial head of state elected by parliament.
Malawi Malawi
General
MAY
2030
Scheduled
Projected next general election maintaining the constitutional timeline.
Algeria Algeria
Presidential
MAY
2029
Scheduled
Projected next presidential cycle under current constitutional framework.
Botswana Botswana
General
MAY
2029
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; remains a strong benchmark for Southern African electoral integrity.
Chad Chad
General
MAY
2029
Scheduled
Scheduled cycles following the highly manipulated transition of power to Mahamat Déby.
Comoros Comoros
Presidential
MAY
2029
Scheduled
Projected next presidential cycle.
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea
Presidential
MAY
2029
Scheduled
Scheduled 7-year cycle; political suppression ensures predictable outcomes.
Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau
Legislative
MAY
2029
Scheduled
Projected next parliamentary cycle.
Liberia Liberia
General
OCT
2029
Scheduled
Scheduled 6-year legislative and presidential cycles; UP currently in power.
Madagascar Madagascar
Legislative
MAY
2029
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year parliamentary cycle.
Mauritania Mauritania
Presidential
JUN
2029
Scheduled
Projected next presidential cycle.
Mauritius Mauritius
General
NOV
2029
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year legislative and presidential cycles; MSM currently in power.
Mozambique Mozambique
General
OCT
2029
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycles; FRELIMO expected to maintain its heavily institutionalized advantage.
Namibia Namibia
General
NOV
2029
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycles; SWAPO leads the dominant-party system, though urban opposition is growing.
South Africa South Africa
General
MAY
2029
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; projected to be highly competitive following the end of ANC hegemony.
Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo
General
DEC
2028
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; USN currently in power amidst ongoing M23 insurgency and widespread allegations of fraud.
Djibouti Djibouti
Legislative
FEB
2028
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; UMP maintains absolute legislative control.
Eswatini Eswatini
General
MAY
2028
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; operates as an absolute monarchy where genuine democratic competition is prohibited.
Ghana Ghana
General
DEC
2028
Scheduled
Projected next general election maintaining the strict 4-year constitutional mandate.
Madagascar Madagascar
Presidential
NOV
2028
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle following recent democratic tensions.
Mauritania Mauritania
Legislative
MAY
2028
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; El Insaf currently in power amid reports of alleged structural fraud.
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
General
MAY
2028
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle maintaining the stable post-war constitutional timeline.
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe
General
MAY
2028
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; ZANU-PF expected to maintain its highly institutionalized structural advantages.
Angola Angola
General
MAY
2027
Scheduled
Scheduled cycle; MPLA expected to leverage state resources to maintain its dominant-party status.
Burundi Burundi
Presidential
MAY
2027
Scheduled
Scheduled 7-year cycle under the current constitutional framework.
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea
Legislative
MAY
2027
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; PDGE dominant-party system firmly entrenched.
Gambia Gambia
Legislative
MAY
2027
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle under the National People's Party (NPP).
Kenya Kenya
General
MAY
2027
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; expected to be a high-stakes competition influenced by economic dissatisfaction.
Lesotho Lesotho
General
MAY
2027
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; RFP currently in power in a historically volatile parliamentary system.
Nigeria Nigeria
General
MAY
2027
Scheduled
Scheduled 4-year cycle; anticipated to be highly competitive and technologically contested.
Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo
Legislative
MAY
2027
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; PCT dominant-party system expected to persist.
Algeria Algeria
Legislative
MAY
2026
Completed
Parliamentary
MAY
2026
Completed
Upcoming 5-year cycle; dominant-party coalition of FLN, RND, FM, and El Binaa expected to retain control.
Benin Benin
General
MAY
2026
Completed
Legislative scheduled for January, Presidential for April; key test for resetting Benin's democratic trajectory.
Legislative
JAN
2026
Completed
President
APR
2026
Completed
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso
General
TBD
2026
Scheduled
Elections indefinitely postponed following successive military coups in 2022 and ongoing security crises.
Cabo Verde Cabo Verde
General
MAY
2026
Completed
Legislative scheduled for May, Presidential for November; expected to remain highly competitive and transparent.
Cameroon Cameroon
Legislative
MAY
2026
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2026
Completed
Parliamentary
MAY
2026
Completed
Scheduled 5-year cycle; CPDM expected to maintain legislative hegemony.
Cape Verde Cape Verde
President
MAY
2026
Completed
Legislative
MAY
2026
Completed
Cote d’Ivoire Cote d’Ivoire
Legislative
MAY
2026
Completed
Djibouti Djibouti
Presidential
APR
2026
Completed
Scheduled 5-year cycle; Guelleh has been in power for over 15 years, utilizing the UMP dominant-party system.
Eritrea Eritrea
None
TBD
2026
Scheduled
Categorized as a one-party state and closed autocracy under Isaias Afwerki; has never held national elections since independence.
Ethiopia Ethiopia
Legislative
MAY
2026
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2026
Completed
Legislative
JUN
2026
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; Prosperity Party dominant, though ongoing armed conflicts severely threaten electoral execution.
Gambia Gambia
Presidential
DEC
2026
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; Barrow attempting to reset democratic trajectory after periods of authoritarian drift.
Libya Libya
President
MAY
2026
Completed
Legislative
MAY
2026
Completed
General
TBD
2026
Scheduled
Elections repeatedly delayed indefinitely due to divided rival governments and severe security crises.
Mali Mali
General
TBD
2026
Scheduled
Elections suspended indefinitely by the ruling military junta amid widespread northern insurgency and regional isolation.
Mauritius Mauritius
Regional/Local
MAY
2026
Completed
Morocco Morocco
Parliamentary
SEP
2026
Scheduled
Scheduled 5-year cycle; RNI, PAM, and PI coalition currently in power under King Mohammed VI.
Niger Niger
General
TBD
2026
Scheduled
Elections indefinitely suspended following the July 2023 military coup; nation reverted to closed autocracy.
Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo
Legislative
MAY
2026
Completed
President
MAR
2026
Completed
Presidential
MAR
2026
Completed
Scheduled cycle; Sassou-Nguesso has been in power for over four decades (split over two intervals).
Rwanda Rwanda
Regional/Local
MAY
2026
Completed
Somalia Somalia
Legislative
MAY
2026
Completed
General
MAY
2026
Completed
Ongoing efforts to transition from indirect clan formulas to universal suffrage amidst active al-Shabaab conflict.
Regional/Local
MAY
2026
Completed
Somaliland (autonomous region) Somaliland (autonomous region)
Legislative
MAY
2026
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2026
Completed
South Africa South Africa
Regional/Local
MAY
2026
Completed
South Sudan South Sudan
President
MAY
2026
Completed
Legislative
MAY
2026
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2026
Completed
General
MAY
2026
Completed
Long-delayed post-independence elections; incumbent in power over 15 years; severe security and logistical impediments persist.
Sudan Sudan
General
TBD
2026
Scheduled
Democratic transition entirely derailed by the 2021 military coup and the devastating ongoing 2023 civil conflict.
São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé and Príncipe
President
MAY
2026
Completed
Legislative
MAY
2026
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2026
Completed
General
MAY
2026
Completed
Scheduled cycle; country remains a strong example of democratic checks and executive power sharing.
The Gambia The Gambia
President
MAY
2026
Completed
Uganda Uganda
General
MAY
2026
Completed
Museveni expected to seek continued governance after 40 years in power; structural disadvantages for opposition persist.
Zambia Zambia
President
MAY
2026
Completed
Legislative
MAY
2026
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2026
Completed
General
MAY
2026
Completed
Scheduled 5-year cycle; testing the consolidation of the democratic reset amidst macroeconomic recovery efforts.
Benin Benin
Regional/Local
MAY
2025
Completed
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso
Legislative
MAY
2025
Completed
Burundi Burundi
Regional/Local
MAY
2025
Completed
Legislative
MAY
2025
Completed
Scheduled for June 5, 2025; CNDD-FDD expected to retain its dominant-party status.
Legislative
JUN
2025
Completed
Regional/Local
JUN
2025
Completed
Legislative
JUL
2025
Completed
Cameroon Cameroon
President
MAY
2025
Completed
Legislative
MAY
2025
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2025
Completed
President
OCT
2025
Completed
Presidential
OCT
2025
Completed
Scheduled 7-year cycle; highly scrutinized due to Biya's advanced age and ongoing internal conflicts.
Central African Republic Central African Republic
President
DEC
2025
Completed
Legislative
DEC
2025
Completed
General
DEC
2025
Completed
Scheduled 5-year cycle; MCU in power while the state continues to grapple with severe territorial fragmentation and civil war.
Comoros Comoros
Legislative
JAN
2025
Completed
Legislative
JAN
2025
Completed
Scheduled 5-year cycle; CRC currently in power amidst significant domestic tension.
Cote d’Ivoire Cote d’Ivoire
Presidential
OCT
2025
Completed
Scheduled 5-year cycle; RHDP in power; critical test for stabilizing the post-Ouattara political landscape.
President
OCT
2025
Completed
Egypt Egypt
Legislative
MAY
2025
Completed
Legislative
NOV
2025
Completed
Scheduled 5-year cycle; Mostaqbal Watan in power with severe political suppression reported.
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea
Legislative
MAY
2025
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2025
Completed
Gabon Gabon
President
APR
2025
Completed
Presidential
APR
2025
Completed
Scheduled transitional election following the 2023 military coup that ousted the Bongo dynasty.
Legislative
SEP
2025
Completed
Scheduled legislative return to civilian rule under the Rally for the Fatherland and Modernity.
Guinea Guinea
General
DEC
2025
Completed
Scheduled transition elections under the National Committee of Reconciliation and Development junta, pending adherence to agreements.
Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau
General
NOV
2025
Completed
Scheduled 4-year legislative and 5-year presidential cycles; political environment remains volatile following executive dissolution of parliament.
Malawi Malawi
President
SEP
2025
Completed
Legislative
SEP
2025
Completed
Regional/Local
SEP
2025
Completed
General
SEP
2025
Completed
Scheduled 5-year cycle; DPP expected to mount strong challenge against incumbent coalition.
Namibia Namibia
Legislative
MAY
2025
Completed
Regional/Local
NOV
2025
Completed
Niger Niger
President
MAY
2025
Completed
Legislative
MAY
2025
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2025
Completed
Seychelles Seychelles
General
MAY
2025
Completed
Scheduled 5-year cycle; anticipated to be a highly competitive democratic contest.
President
SEP
2025
Completed
Legislative
SEP
2025
Completed
Tanzania Tanzania
General
MAY
2025
Completed
Scheduled 5-year cycle; CCM maintains a tight grip on the electoral management apparatus.
Togo Togo
Presidential
MAY
2025
Completed
Scheduled 5-year cycle; the Gnassingbé family dynasty dominates the electoral landscape.
President
MAY
2025
Completed
Legislative
JUL
2025
Completed
Tunisia Tunisia
Legislative
MAY
2025
Completed
Uganda Uganda
President
MAY
2025
Completed
Legislative
MAY
2025
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2025
Completed
United Republic of Tanzania United Republic of Tanzania
Regional/Local
MAY
2025
Completed
President
OCT
2025
Completed
Legislative
OCT
2025
Completed
Algeria Algeria
President
SEP
2024
Completed
Presidential
SEP
2024
Completed
Incumbent secured victory in a highly constrained political environment; opposition faced significant structural restrictions.
Botswana Botswana
President
MAY
2024
Completed
Legislative
OCT
2024
Completed
Regional/Local
OCT
2024
Completed
General
OCT
2024
Completed
Highly competitive cycle reflecting shifting demographics and rising UDC and BPF influence.
Cape Verde Cape Verde
Regional/Local
MAY
2024
Completed
Chad Chad
President
MAY
2024
Completed
Legislative
DEC
2024
Completed
Scheduled transitional legislative elections under the military-led government.
Comoros Comoros
President
JAN
2024
Completed
Regional/Local
JAN
2024
Completed
Presidential
JAN
2024
Completed
Azali Assoumani ran for a fourth term in an environment heavily skewed by his previous constitutional dismantling.
Ethiopia Ethiopia
President
MAY
2024
Completed
Ghana Ghana
President
DEC
2024
Completed
Legislative
DEC
2024
Completed
General
DEC
2024
Completed
Scheduled 4-year cycle; competitive race significantly influenced by severe fiscal consolidation and IMF programming.
Guinea Guinea
Regional/Local
MAY
2024
Completed
Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau
President
MAY
2024
Completed
Libya Libya
Regional/Local
MAY
2024
Completed
Madagascar Madagascar
Legislative
MAY
2024
Completed
Legislative
MAY
2024
Completed
Mali Mali
President
FEB
2024
Completed
Mauritania Mauritania
President
JUN
2024
Completed
Legislative
JUN
2024
Completed
Mauritius Mauritius
President
MAY
2024
Completed
Legislative
NOV
2024
Completed
Mozambique Mozambique
Regional/Local
MAY
2024
Completed
President
OCT
2024
Completed
Legislative
OCT
2024
Completed
Namibia Namibia
President
NOV
2024
Completed
Legislative
NOV
2024
Completed
Rwanda Rwanda
Legislative
MAY
2024
Completed
General
MAY
2024
Completed
Kagame secured another term; structural suppression guarantees RPF dominance without viable opposition.
President
JUL
2024
Completed
Legislative
JUL
2024
Completed
Senegal Senegal
President
MAR
2024
Completed
Legislative
NOV
2024
Completed
Snap parliamentary elections reflecting dynamic political realignments and robust democratic engagement.
Somaliland (autonomous region) Somaliland (autonomous region)
President
NOV
2024
Completed
South Africa South Africa
President
MAY
2024
Completed
Legislative
MAY
2024
Completed
General
MAY
2024
Completed
Watershed election; ANC lost its outright majority for the first time, resulting in unprecedented national coalition governments.
Togo Togo
Regional/Local
MAR
2024
Completed
Tunisia Tunisia
President
MAY
2024
Completed
Presidential
MAY
2024
Completed
Held following Saied's 2021 self-coup and constitutional rewrite; severe democratic backsliding noted.
Regional/Local
DEC
2024
Completed
United Republic of Tanzania United Republic of Tanzania
Regional/Local
NOV
2024
Completed
Cameroon Cameroon
Legislative
MAR
2023
Completed
Central African Republic Central African Republic
Regional/Local
JUL
2023
Completed
Referenda
JUL
2023
Completed
Chad Chad
Referenda
DEC
2023
Completed
Cote d’Ivoire Cote d’Ivoire
Legislative
MAY
2023
Completed
Regional/Local
AUG
2023
Completed
Democratic Republic of Congo
President
DEC
2023
Completed
Legislative
DEC
2023
Completed
Regional/Local
DEC
2023
Completed
Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo
General
MAY
2023
Completed
Félix Tshisekedi re-elected in a cycle severely compromised by electronic voting failures and massive infrastructural deficits.
Djibouti Djibouti
Legislative
FEB
2023
Completed
Egypt Egypt
President
DEC
2023
Completed
Gabon Gabon
Legislative
AUG
2023
Completed
Regional/Local
AUG
2023
Completed
Ghana Ghana
Regional/Local
MAY
2023
Completed
Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau
Legislative
JUN
2023
Completed
Liberia Liberia
General
MAY
2023
Completed
Joseph Boakai defeated incumbent George Weah in a tight runoff; Weah conceded peacefully.
President
OCT
2023
Completed
Legislative
OCT
2023
Completed
President
NOV
2023
Completed
Madagascar Madagascar
President
NOV
2023
Completed
Regional/Local
NOV
2023
Completed
Presidential
NOV
2023
Completed
Rajoelina re-elected amidst opposition boycotts and protests over his dual French citizenship.
Mali Mali
Referenda
MAY
2023
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2023
Completed
Mauritania Mauritania
Legislative
MAY
2023
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2023
Completed
Legislative
MAY
2023
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2023
Completed
Mozambique Mozambique
Regional/Local
OCT
2023
Completed
Nigeria Nigeria
General
MAY
2023
Completed
Bola Tinubu elected; process heavily marred by technological failures and sophisticated social media disinformation campaigns.
President
FEB
2023
Completed
Legislative
FEB
2023
Completed
Regional/Local
MAR
2023
Completed
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
Legislative
TBD
2023
Scheduled
Elected 50 of the 51 members of the Sahrawi National Council, retaining Polisario dominance.
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
General
MAY
2023
Completed
Julius Maada Bio re-elected in a highly polarized environment with disputed tallies.
President
JUN
2023
Completed
Legislative
JUN
2023
Completed
Regional/Local
JUN
2023
Completed
Swaziland Swaziland
Legislative
SEP
2023
Completed
Regional/Local
SEP
2023
Completed
The Gambia The Gambia
Regional/Local
MAY
2023
Completed
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe
General
MAY
2023
Completed
Mnangagwa re-elected; process heavily criticized by SADC observers for failing to meet democratic standards.
President
AUG
2023
Completed
Legislative
AUG
2023
Completed
Regional/Local
AUG
2023
Completed
Algeria Algeria
Regional/Local
MAY
2022
Completed
Angola Angola
President
AUG
2022
Completed
Legislative
AUG
2022
Completed
General
AUG
2022
Completed
Tightest election in Angolan history; MPLA retained power amid widespread allegations of structural fraud by UNITA.
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso
Regional/Local
MAY
2022
Completed
Comoros Comoros
Regional/Local
MAY
2022
Completed
Djibouti Djibouti
Regional/Local
MAY
2022
Completed
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea
President
NOV
2022
Completed
Legislative
NOV
2022
Completed
Regional/Local
NOV
2022
Completed
Kenya Kenya
General
MAY
2022
Completed
William Ruto (UDA) elected in a technologically heavy, highly litigated, but ultimately peaceful cycle.
President
AUG
2022
Completed
Legislative
AUG
2022
Completed
Regional/Local
AUG
2022
Completed
Lesotho Lesotho
General
MAY
2022
Completed
Newly formed Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) party won, signaling deep voter frustration with legacy parties.
Legislative
OCT
2022
Completed
Regional/Local
OCT
2022
Completed
Mali Mali
Legislative
MAY
2022
Completed
Mauritius Mauritius
Regional/Local
FEB
2022
Completed
Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo
Legislative
JUL
2022
Completed
Regional/Local
JUL
2022
Completed
Senegal Senegal
Regional/Local
JAN
2022
Completed
Somalia Somalia
Presidential
MAY
2022
Completed
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud returned to power after a protracted and highly tense indirect electoral process.
Legislative
FEB
2022
Completed
President
MAY
2022
Completed
The Gambia The Gambia
Legislative
APR
2022
Completed
Tunisia Tunisia
Referenda
MAY
2022
Completed
Legislative
DEC
2022
Completed
Algeria Algeria
Parliamentary
MAY
2021
Completed
Held in the aftermath of the Hirak protest movement; characterized by record-low turnout and ongoing state control.
Legislative
JUN
2021
Completed
Benin Benin
Presidential
APR
2021
Completed
Patrice Talon re-elected amidst severe democratic backsliding and suppression of viable opposition candidates.
Cabo Verde Cabo Verde
General
MAY
2021
Completed
Successful elections held amidst the pandemic; peaceful power dynamics continued.
Cape Verde Cape Verde
Legislative
APR
2021
Completed
President
OCT
2021
Completed
Chad Chad
Presidential
MAY
2021
Completed
Déby won a sixth term but was killed on the battlefield shortly after, leading to a transitional military council.
Cote d’Ivoire Cote d’Ivoire
Legislative
MAR
2021
Completed
Djibouti Djibouti
President
APR
2021
Completed
Ethiopia Ethiopia
General
MAY
2021
Completed
Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party secured a mandate amidst the Tigray War, which prevented voting in several regions.
Legislative
JUN
2021
Completed
Regional/Local
JUN
2021
Completed
Morocco Morocco
Legislative
MAY
2021
Completed
Parliamentary
MAY
2021
Completed
PJD suffered a massive defeat; RNI formed a new governing coalition aligned closely with the palace.
Regional/Local
SEP
2021
Completed
Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo
Presidential
MAY
2021
Completed
PCT maintained absolute control; main opposition candidate Guy Brice Parfait Kolélas died on election day.
Rwanda Rwanda
Regional/Local
MAY
2021
Completed
Somalia Somalia
Legislative
JUL
2021
Completed
Somaliland (autonomous region) Somaliland (autonomous region)
Legislative
MAY
2021
Completed
Regional/Local
MAY
2021
Completed
South Africa South Africa
Regional/Local
NOV
2021
Completed
The Gambia The Gambia
President
DEC
2021
Completed
Uganda Uganda
Regional/Local
MAY
2021
Completed
General
MAY
2021
Completed
Museveni won a sixth term against Bobi Wine in an environment of extreme state violence and internet shutdowns.
President
JAN
2021
Completed
Legislative
JAN
2021
Completed
Zambia Zambia
General
MAY
2021
Completed
Hakainde Hichilema decisively defeated incumbent Lungu, marking a crucial democratic reset.
President
AUG
2021
Completed
Legislative
AUG
2021
Completed
Regional/Local
AUG
2021
Completed
Algeria Algeria
Referenda
NOV
2020
Completed
Benin Benin
Regional/Local
APR
2020
Completed
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso
General
MAY
2020
Completed
Kaboré re-elected; however, severe jihadist violence prevented voting in large portions of the country.
President
NOV
2020
Completed
Legislative
NOV
2020
Completed
Burundi Burundi
General
MAY
2020
Completed
Évariste Ndayishimiye elected, maintaining CNDD-FDD dominance in a tightly controlled political space.
President
MAY
2020
Completed
Cameroon Cameroon
Legislative
FEB
2020
Completed
Regional/Local
FEB
2020
Completed
Cape Verde Cape Verde
Regional/Local
OCT
2020
Completed
Cote d’Ivoire Cote d’Ivoire
Presidential
MAY
2020
Completed
Ouattara won a controversial third term after the sudden death of his designated successor; opposition boycotted.
Egypt Egypt
Legislative
NOV
2020
Completed
Guinea Guinea
Referenda
MAY
2020
Completed
Presidential
MAY
2020
Completed
Condé won a controversial third term after altering the constitution, sparking massive protests and a subsequent 2021 military coup.
Referenda
MAR
2020
Completed
Legislative
MAR
2020
Completed
President
OCT
2020
Completed
Liberia Liberia
Referenda
MAY
2020
Completed
Madagascar Madagascar
Legislative
DEC
2020
Completed
Mali Mali
Legislative
MAR
2020
Completed
Legislative
APR
2020
Completed
Niger Niger
Regional/Local
DEC
2020
Completed
President
DEC
2020
Completed
Legislative
DEC
2020
Completed
General
TBD
2020
Completed
Mohamed Bazoum elected, marking the country's first-ever peaceful democratic transition between civilians.
Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo
Legislative
MAY
2020
Completed
Seychelles Seychelles
General
MAY
2020
Completed
Historic opposition victory; Wavel Ramkalawan elected, underscoring institutional maturity and electoral integrity.
Tanzania Tanzania
General
MAY
2020
Completed
Magufuli re-elected with 84%; elections heavily criticized for violence, internet blockages, and massive fraud.
Togo Togo
Presidential
MAY
2020
Completed
Gnassingbé won a fourth term following constitutional tweaks that reset his term limits.
United Republic of Tanzania United Republic of Tanzania
Regional/Local
OCT
2020
Completed
President
OCT
2020
Completed
Legislative
OCT
2020
Completed
Botswana Botswana
General
MAY
2019
Completed
Mokgweetsi Masisi led BDP to victory amidst internal party fractures.
Legislative
OCT
2019
Completed
Regional/Local
OCT
2019
Completed
President
NOV
2019
Completed
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso
Referenda
MAR
2019
Completed
Egypt Egypt
Regional/Local
MAY
2019
Completed
Referenda
APR
2019
Completed
Ghana Ghana
Regional/Local
DEC
2019
Completed
Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau
Legislative
MAR
2019
Completed
President
NOV
2019
Completed
Libya Libya
Regional/Local
MAR
2019
Completed
Malawi Malawi
Presidential
TBD
2019
Completed
2019 results were annulled by the Constitutional Court due to widespread irregularities; Lazarus Chakwera won the historic 2020 rerun.
Mauritania Mauritania
Presidential
MAY
2019
Completed
Mohamed Ould Ghazouani elected, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between elected leaders.
Rwanda Rwanda
Legislative
SEP
2019
Completed
Senegal Senegal
Presidential
MAY
2019
Completed
Macky Sall secured a second term against a backdrop of rising opposition discontent.
South Africa South Africa
General
MAY
2019
Completed
Cyril Ramaphosa led the ANC to victory, though with the party's lowest margin since 1994.
Legislative
MAY
2019
Completed
Tunisia Tunisia
Presidential
MAY
2019
Completed
Kais Saied elected in a landslide as an anti-establishment outsider.
Legislative
OCT
2019
Completed
Algeria Algeria
Legislative
MAY
2018
Completed
Burundi Burundi
Referenda
MAY
2018
Completed
Cameroon Cameroon
Presidential
MAY
2018
Completed
Biya re-elected amidst the escalating Anglophone Crisis, which severely depressed turnout in western regions.
Comoros Comoros
Referendum
MAY
2018
Completed
Controversial referendum dismantled the rotating presidency, allowing Assoumani to evade term limits.
Referenda
JUL
2018
Completed
Cote d’Ivoire Cote d’Ivoire
Legislative
MAR
2018
Completed
Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo
General
MAY
2018
Completed
Resulted in a controversial but peaceful transfer of power to Félix Tshisekedi, despite widespread evidence of Martin Fayulu's victory.
Egypt Egypt
Presidential
MAY
2018
Completed
Sisi re-elected against a token opponent after viable challengers were arrested or intimidated into withdrawing.
Eswatini Eswatini
General
MAY
2018
Completed
Monarch continues to appoint the Prime Minister and cabinet, rendering elections largely advisory.
Ethiopia Ethiopia
President
OCT
2018
Completed
Gabon Gabon
Legislative
OCT
2018
Completed
Legislative
OCT
2018
Completed
Guinea Guinea
Regional/Local
FEB
2018
Completed
Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau
Legislative
NOV
2018
Completed
Madagascar Madagascar
Presidential
MAY
2018
Completed
Andry Rajoelina defeated Ravalomanana in a runoff, completing a competitive cycle.
Mali Mali
Presidential
MAY
2018
Completed
Keïta re-elected, but low turnout and massive security failures precipitated a 2020 military coup.
President
JUL
2018
Completed
President
AUG
2018
Completed
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
General
MAY
2018
Completed
Julius Maada Bio (SLPP) defeated the ruling APC, continuing a pattern of peaceful post-war alternations.
Togo Togo
Referenda
DEC
2018
Completed
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe
General
MAY
2018
Completed
First post-Mugabe election; Emmerson Mnangagwa narrowly won a highly disputed contest against Nelson Chamisa.
Algeria Algeria
Parliamentary
MAY
2017
Completed
FLN and RND coalition maintained legislative dominance amidst widespread voter apathy.
Regional/Local
NOV
2017
Completed
Angola Angola
General
MAY
2017
Completed
Marked the transition from José Eduardo dos Santos to João Lourenço within the MPLA apparatus.
Djibouti Djibouti
Regional/Local
FEB
2017
Completed
Kenya Kenya
General
MAY
2017
Completed
Supreme Court historically annulled the first presidential vote due to technical irregularities; Kenyatta won the rerun.
Liberia Liberia
General
MAY
2017
Completed
Peaceful transition of power to George Weah, representing a generational political shift.
Legislative
OCT
2017
Completed
Rwanda Rwanda
Presidential
MAY
2017
Completed
Kagame won 98.8% following a 2015 constitutional amendment that allowed him to circumvent prior term limits.
Somalia Somalia
Presidential
MAY
2017
Completed
Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (Farmaajo) elected via indirect clan-based delegate voting.
Somaliland (autonomous region) Somaliland (autonomous region)
President
NOV
2017
Completed
Benin Benin
Presidential
MAY
2016
Completed
Patrice Talon elected, initially promising constitutional reforms and term limit adherence.
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso
Regional/Local
MAY
2016
Completed
Cabo Verde Cabo Verde
General
MAY
2016
Completed
MpD swept legislative and presidential elections, maintaining a model of West African stability.
Chad Chad
Presidential
MAY
2016
Completed
Déby re-elected to a fifth term against a fractured opposition.
Legislative
APR
2016
Completed
Legislative
MAY
2016
Completed
Comoros Comoros
Presidential
MAY
2016
Completed
Azali Assoumani elected, returning to power through the rotating presidency system.
Djibouti Djibouti
Presidential
MAY
2016
Completed
Guelleh secured a fourth term; opposition remained heavily fragmented and constrained.
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea
Presidential
MAY
2016
Completed
Obiang re-elected with standard 90%+ margins, extending his tenure as the world's longest-serving president.
Gabon Gabon
Presidential
MAY
2016
Completed
Ali Bongo narrowly defeated Jean Ping in a highly disputed election that sparked deadly riots and arson.
Gambia Gambia
Presidential
MAY
2016
Completed
Historic upset; Adama Barrow defeated Jammeh, who initially conceded but then refused, prompting ECOWAS military intervention.
Ghana Ghana
General
MAY
2016
Completed
NPP's Nana Akufo-Addo defeated incumbent John Mahama, reinforcing Ghana's strong two-party democracy.
Mali Mali
Regional/Local
NOV
2016
Completed
Morocco Morocco
Parliamentary
MAY
2016
Completed
PJD retained plurality, though forming a government proved highly contested against royalist factions.
Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo
Presidential
MAY
2016
Completed
Sassou-Nguesso secured another term following a 2015 referendum that eliminated constitutional term and age limits.
Senegal Senegal
Referenda
MAR
2016
Completed
São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé and Príncipe
Presidential
MAY
2016
Completed
Evaristo Carvalho elected; peaceful transfer of power.
Uganda Uganda
General
MAY
2016
Completed
Museveni re-elected; polls marred by the arrest of main opposition candidate Kizza Besigye and media blackouts.
Zambia Zambia
General
MAY
2016
Completed
Edgar Lungu narrowly won; opposition disputed results amidst growing authoritarian tendencies.
Referenda
AUG
2016
Completed
Algeria Algeria
Legislative
DEC
2015
Completed
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso
General
MAY
2015
Completed
Landmark transitional elections; Roch Marc Christian Kaboré elected in a widely praised democratic process.
Burundi Burundi
General
MAY
2015
Completed
Nkurunziza's controversial bid for a third term sparked a severe political crisis, violence, and another opposition boycott.
Central African Republic Central African Republic
Referenda
DEC
2015
Completed
General
TBD
2015
Completed
Faustin-Archange Touadéra elected in transitional polls held amidst brutal sectarian violence and UN peacekeeping presence.
Cote d’Ivoire Cote d’Ivoire
Presidential
MAY
2015
Completed
Ouattara secured a second term in a peaceful process, signaling economic recovery.
Ethiopia Ethiopia
General
MAY
2015
Completed
EPRDF won 100% of parliamentary seats; widespread protests followed, eventually forcing leadership changes.
Guinea Guinea
Presidential
MAY
2015
Completed
Alpha Condé re-elected amidst violent protests and opposition claims of fraud.
Lesotho Lesotho
General
MAY
2015
Completed
Snap elections called following an attempted military coup; resulted in a new fragmented coalition.
Nigeria Nigeria
General
MAY
2015
Completed
Historic milestone; Muhammadu Buhari defeated incumbent Goodluck Jonathan, the first such opposition victory in Nigeria.
Rwanda Rwanda
Referenda
DEC
2015
Completed
Seychelles Seychelles
Presidential
MAY
2015
Completed
James Michel won re-election by an extremely narrow margin (less than 200 votes), prompting electoral reforms.
Sudan Sudan
General
MAY
2015
Completed
Al-Bashir secured another term in an uncompetitive environment preceding his 2019 ouster.
President
APR
2015
Completed
Legislative
APR
2015
Completed
Regional/Local
APR
2015
Completed
Tanzania Tanzania
General
MAY
2015
Completed
John Magufuli elected; opposition faced increasing harassment and structural disadvantages.
Togo Togo
Presidential
MAY
2015
Completed
Faure Gnassingbé secured a third term; opposition protests effectively marginalized.
United Republic of Tanzania United Republic of Tanzania
Referenda
APR
2015
Completed
Algeria Algeria
Presidential
MAY
2014
Completed
Bouteflika won a fourth term despite severe health issues, sparking early civil discontent.
Botswana Botswana
General
MAY
2014
Completed
BDP won but with a reduced popular vote share as the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) gained traction.
Egypt Egypt
Referenda
MAY
2014
Completed
Presidential
MAY
2014
Completed
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi elected following the military takeover, returning the country to authoritarian rule.
Gabon Gabon
Legislative
DEC
2014
Completed
Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau
General
MAY
2014
Completed
José Mário Vaz elected, restoring constitutional order after a 2012 military coup.
Libya Libya
Parliamentary
MAY
2014
Completed
Elections for the House of Representatives; disputed results escalated the ongoing civil war.
Legislative
FEB
2014
Completed
Malawi Malawi
General
MAY
2014
Completed
Peter Mutharika defeated incumbent Joyce Banda in a highly controversial and legally challenged race.
Mauritius Mauritius
General
MAY
2014
Completed
Sir Anerood Jugnauth returned as Prime Minister via Alliance Lepep victory.
Mozambique Mozambique
General
MAY
2014
Completed
Filipe Nyusi elected amidst localized armed conflict resurfacing with RENAMO elements.
Namibia Namibia
General
MAY
2014
Completed
Hage Geingob elected; SWAPO maintained overwhelming legislative control.
Tunisia Tunisia
General
MAY
2014
Completed
Beji Caid Essebsi elected; hailed as a successful democratic consolidation in the Arab world.
Cameroon Cameroon
Parliamentary
MAY
2013
Completed
CPDM secured sweeping legislative majorities, marginalizing fragmented opposition parties.
Kenya Kenya
General
MAY
2013
Completed
Uhuru Kenyatta elected in largely peaceful polls, featuring early but flawed integrations of electronic voting.
Madagascar Madagascar
General
MAY
2013
Completed
Hery Rajaonarimampianina elected, restoring constitutional order following the 2009 unconstitutional transfer of power.
Mali Mali
Presidential
MAY
2013
Completed
Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta elected post-rebellion with heavy international backing and military presence.
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe
General
MAY
2013
Completed
Mugabe secured victory; end of the power-sharing government amidst allegations of massive voter roll manipulation.
Referenda
MAR
2013
Completed
Angola Angola
General
MAY
2012
Completed
MPLA maintained overwhelming dominance, institutionalizing a dominant-party framework.
Chad Chad
Regional/Local
JAN
2012
Completed
Egypt Egypt
Presidential
MAY
2012
Completed
Mohamed Morsi elected in a highly competitive race, only to be ousted by the military a year later.
Lesotho Lesotho
General
MAY
2012
Completed
Resulted in Africa's first peaceful transition of power via a coalition government following an incumbent defeat.
Libya Libya
Parliamentary
MAY
2012
Completed
First post-Gaddafi democratic elections for the General National Congress; highly fragmented results.
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
Legislative
MAY
2012
Completed
Continued governance in exile; Polisario maintains parallel state structures pending UN referendum.
Senegal Senegal
Presidential
MAY
2012
Completed
Macky Sall defeated Wade after Wade attempted to circumvent term limits, sparking mass mobilization.
Somalia Somalia
Presidential
MAY
2012
Completed
First indirect election held inside Somalia in decades; Hassan Sheikh Mohamud elected.
Benin Benin
General
MAY
2011
Completed
Yayi Boni secured re-election; marked by high voter turnout exceeding 84%.
Cabo Verde Cabo Verde
General
MAY
2011
Completed
Jorge Carlos Fonseca (MpD) elected president, initiating another period of peaceful cohabitation.
Cameroon Cameroon
Presidential
MAY
2011
Completed
Biya secured a sixth term following constitutional amendments that eliminated term limits.
Central African Republic Central African Republic
General
MAY
2011
Completed
Bozizé re-elected; however, growing rebel insurgencies in the north set the stage for impending civil war.
Chad Chad
Presidential
MAY
2011
Completed
Déby secured another mandate; MPS maintained total dominance over the political landscape.
Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo
General
MAY
2011
Completed
Kabila re-elected in a highly disputed contest against Etienne Tshisekedi, marred by logistical failures and violence.
Djibouti Djibouti
Presidential
MAY
2011
Completed
Guelleh won a third term following constitutional changes removing his term limits.
Egypt Egypt
Parliamentary
TBD
2011
Completed
First free elections post-Mubarak; resulted in an Islamist majority led by the Muslim Brotherhood.
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea
Referenda
NOV
2011
Completed
Gambia Gambia
Presidential
MAY
2011
Completed
ECOWAS refused to observe the election, citing intimidation and an uneven playing field.
Liberia Liberia
Referenda
AUG
2011
Completed
Morocco Morocco
Parliamentary
MAY
2011
Completed
Held early following Arab Spring constitutional reforms; moderate Islamist PJD won plurality.
Referenda
JUL
2011
Completed
Niger Niger
General
MAY
2011
Completed
Mahamadou Issoufou elected, restoring civilian rule after the 2010 coup.
South Sudan South Sudan
Referenda
JAN
2011
Completed
São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé and Príncipe
Presidential
MAY
2011
Completed
Manuel Pinto da Costa returned to the presidency via democratic vote.
Tunisia Tunisia
Constituent
MAY
2011
Completed
Historic free elections post-Jasmine Revolution; Ennahda emerged as the largest party.
Zambia Zambia
General
MAY
2011
Completed
Michael Sata (PF) defeated incumbent Rupiah Banda (MMD) in another peaceful alternation of power.
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso
Presidential
MAY
2010
Completed
Final election of the Compaoré era before the 2014 popular uprising ousted him.
Burundi Burundi
General
MAY
2010
Completed
Nkurunziza re-elected uncontested after opposition boycotted the polls alleging massive fraud.
Comoros Comoros
Presidential
MAY
2010
Completed
Ikililou Dhoinine elected, maintaining the power-sharing stability among the islands.
Cote d’Ivoire Cote d’Ivoire
Presidential
MAY
2010
Completed
Ouattara defeated Gbagbo; Gbagbo's refusal to concede sparked the devastating Second Ivorian Civil War.
Egypt Egypt
Parliamentary
MAY
2010
Completed
NDP won near-total control in elections widely condemned as fraudulent, serving as a catalyst for the 2011 Arab Spring.
Ethiopia Ethiopia
General
MAY
2010
Completed
EPRDF and its allies won 99.6% of seats, effectively erasing the opposition presence established in 2005.
Guinea Guinea
Presidential
MAY
2010
Completed
Historic transition post-military rule; Alpha Condé elected in a fragile democratic opening.
Kenya Kenya
Referenda
AUG
2010
Completed
Mauritius Mauritius
General
MAY
2010
Completed
Navin Ramgoolam's PTR-led coalition won, maintaining high turnout and transparency.
Niger Niger
Referenda
OCT
2010
Completed
Rwanda Rwanda
Presidential
MAY
2010
Completed
Kagame re-elected with 93%; credible opposition figures were barred from running or imprisoned.
South Sudan South Sudan
General
MAY
2010
Completed
Pre-independence elections establishing Salva Kiir and the SPLM as the dominant political force.
President
JUL
2010
Completed
Legislative
JUL
2010
Completed
Regional/Local
JUL
2010
Completed
Sudan Sudan
General
MAY
2010
Completed
Omar al-Bashir re-elected in polls boycotted by major opposition; included parallel regional elections in the South.
Algeria Algeria
Presidential
MAY
2009
Completed
Bouteflika re-elected after constitution was amended to remove term limits.
Botswana Botswana
General
MAY
2009
Completed
Ian Khama led BDP to victory, maintaining the party's uninterrupted rule since independence.
Comoros Comoros
Referenda
MAY
2009
Completed
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea
Presidential
MAY
2009
Completed
Obiang won nearly 95% of the vote, continuing PDGE's absolute totalitarian grip.
Gabon Gabon
Presidential
MAY
2009
Completed
Ali Bongo Ondimba succeeded his father following a contentious snap election.
Mauritania Mauritania
Presidential
MAY
2009
Completed
Coup leader Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz elected in polls boycotted by major opposition figures.
Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo
Presidential
MAY
2009
Completed
Sassou-Nguesso re-elected with nearly 78% of the vote amidst opposition marginalization.
South Africa South Africa
General
MAY
2009
Completed
Jacob Zuma secured the presidency; ANC maintained dominance despite structural economic issues.
Angola Angola
Parliamentary
MAY
2008
Completed
First post-civil war elections; MPLA secured a sweeping supermajority.
Eswatini Eswatini
General
MAY
2008
Completed
Tinkhundla system maintained; parliament possesses very limited legislative powers.
Ghana Ghana
General
MAY
2008
Completed
Extremely tight race resulting in another peaceful transfer of power back to the NDC's John Atta Mills.
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
Legislative
MAY
2008
Completed
Elections for the Sahrawi National Council under a one-party semi-presidential regime (Polisario Front).
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe
General
MAY
2008
Completed
Morgan Tsvangirai won the first round; unprecedented state violence forced his withdrawal from the runoff, keeping Mugabe in power.
Kenya Kenya
General
MAY
2007
Completed
Highly disputed results led to catastrophic ethno-political violence and an eventual power-sharing agreement.
Mauritania Mauritania
Presidential
MAY
2007
Completed
Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi elected in a brief, genuine democratic opening before a 2008 coup.
Nigeria Nigeria
General
MAY
2007
Completed
Umaru Musa Yar'Adua elected; polls were universally condemned by observers for massive irregularities.
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
General
MAY
2007
Completed
Ernest Bai Koroma (APC) defeated the incumbent SLPP in a peaceful transfer of power.
Benin Benin
Presidential
MAY
2006
Completed
Yayi Boni elected in a highly competitive cycle following Kérékou's adherence to term limits.
Chad Chad
Presidential
MAY
2006
Completed
Déby won a third term following constitutional changes removing term limits; major opposition boycotted.
Comoros Comoros
Presidential
MAY
2006
Completed
Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi elected under the 2001 Fomboni Agreement's rotating presidency framework.
Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo
General
MAY
2006
Completed
First multi-party elections in 40 years, heavily supported by the UN; Joseph Kabila secured victory.
Mauritania Mauritania
Referenda
JUN
2006
Completed
Seychelles Seychelles
Presidential
MAY
2006
Completed
James Michel elected, keeping the ruling SPPF in power with narrowing margins.
Uganda Uganda
General
MAY
2006
Completed
First multi-party elections since 1980; Museveni won following the removal of presidential term limits.
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso
Presidential
MAY
2005
Completed
Compaoré secured another term; turnout reported at 57% amidst divided opposition.
Burundi Burundi
General
MAY
2005
Completed
Post-civil war transitional elections; CNDD-FDD emerged as the dominant political force under Pierre Nkurunziza.
Central African Republic Central African Republic
General
MAY
2005
Completed
François Bozizé legitimized his rule following a 2003 military coup in a transitional election cycle.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Referenda
DEC
2005
Completed
Djibouti Djibouti
Presidential
MAY
2005
Completed
Guelleh ran unopposed after the opposition boycotted due to structural unfairness.
Egypt Egypt
Presidential
MAY
2005
Completed
First multi-candidate presidential election; Hosni Mubarak won overwhelmingly in a heavily managed process.
Ethiopia Ethiopia
General
MAY
2005
Completed
Initial political opening saw massive opposition gains, violently reversed by the state post-election.
Gabon Gabon
Presidential
MAY
2005
Completed
Omar Bongo won easily; opposition continuously marginalized through state resource control.
Liberia Liberia
General
MAY
2005
Completed
Landmark post-war elections; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became Africa's first democratically elected female head of state.
Tanzania Tanzania
General
MAY
2005
Completed
Jakaya Kikwete elected in a landslide, continuing CCM's dominant-party rule.
Togo Togo
Presidential
MAY
2005
Completed
Faure Gnassingbé installed by the military after his father's death, then 'elected' in heavily disputed polls.
Algeria Algeria
Presidential
MAY
2004
Completed
Bouteflika secured a second term amidst constitutional maneuvering.
Botswana Botswana
General
MAY
2004
Completed
BDP secured another mandate with broad electoral support and no significant irregularities.
Cameroon Cameroon
Presidential
MAY
2004
Completed
Paul Biya re-elected; CPDM maintained total control over state apparatus and electoral administration.
Malawi Malawi
General
MAY
2004
Completed
Bingu wa Mutharika elected in a heavily fractured political environment.
Mozambique Mozambique
General
MAY
2004
Completed
Armando Guebuza elected; FRELIMO entrenched its dominant-party status.
Namibia Namibia
General
MAY
2004
Completed
Hifikepunye Pohamba elected; peaceful transition within the SWAPO dominant-party framework.
Niger Niger
General
MAY
2004
Completed
Mamadou Tandja re-elected; his later attempts to extend his term led to a 2010 military coup.
Guinea Guinea
Presidential
MAY
2003
Completed
Conté won 95% of the vote following an opposition boycott.
Rwanda Rwanda
Presidential
MAY
2003
Completed
First post-genocide presidential election; Paul Kagame (RPF) won 95% amidst a heavily restricted political environment.
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea
Presidential
MAY
2002
Completed
Obiang secured 97% of the vote; international observers widely condemned the process as a farce.
Kenya Kenya
General
MAY
2002
Completed
Historic democratic transition; Mwai Kibaki defeated KANU, ending decades of single-party dominance.
Mali Mali
Presidential
MAY
2002
Completed
Amadou Toumani Touré elected; Mali celebrated as a democratic poster-child despite very low turnout.
Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo
Presidential
MAY
2002
Completed
Sassou-Nguesso legitimized his post-war rule in elections boycotted by major opposition figures.
Benin Benin
Presidential
MAY
2001
Completed
Kérékou re-elected in a cycle boycotted by major opposition figures over transparency concerns.
Cabo Verde Cabo Verde
General
MAY
2001
Completed
PAICV returned to power in a peaceful transition, underscoring the strength of Cabo Verdean institutions.
Chad Chad
Presidential
MAY
2001
Completed
Déby re-elected amid opposition protests and allegations of systemic electoral fraud.
Gambia Gambia
Presidential
MAY
2001
Completed
Jammeh secured re-election utilizing systemic intimidation and state media monopolies.
Madagascar Madagascar
Presidential
MAY
2001
Completed
Disputed results led to a severe political crisis between Marc Ravalomanana and Didier Ratsiraka.
São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé and Príncipe
Presidential
MAY
2001
Completed
Fradique de Menezes elected, continuing the stable democratic tradition.
Cote d’Ivoire Cote d’Ivoire
Presidential
MAY
2000
Completed
Laurent Gbagbo elected following a military coup; cycle was deeply flawed and excluded Alassane Ouattara.
Ethiopia Ethiopia
General
MAY
2000
Completed
EPRDF secured vast majorities in both federal and regional assemblies.
Ghana Ghana
General
MAY
2000
Completed
Landmark democratic milestone; peaceful alternation of power from NDC to NPP's John Kufuor.
Mauritius Mauritius
General
MAY
2000
Completed
MSM/MMM coalition returned to power, demonstrating consistent institutional stability.
Senegal Senegal
Presidential
MAY
2000
Completed
Historic transition; Abdoulaye Wade defeated incumbent Abdou Diouf, ending decades of Socialist Party rule.
Somalia Somalia
Presidential
MAY
2000
Completed
Indirect election held in Djibouti for the Transitional National Government.
Algeria Algeria
Presidential
MAY
1999
Completed
Resulted in the election of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, marking the beginning of a long period of consolidated executive control.
Botswana Botswana
General
MAY
1999
Completed
Continued BDP dominance in one of Africa's most stable parliamentary democracies.
Central African Republic Central African Republic
Presidential
MAY
1999
Completed
Patassé re-elected amidst growing regional instability and internal military discontent.
Djibouti Djibouti
Presidential
MAY
1999
Completed
Ismaïl Omar Guelleh elected, succeeding his uncle and initiating a prolonged era of executive control.
Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau
General
TBD
1999
Completed
Held following a destructive civil war; Kumba Ialá elected.
Nigeria Nigeria
Presidential
MAY
1999
Completed
Olusegun Obasanjo elected, marking the permanent return to civilian democratic rule under the PDP.
South Africa South Africa
General
MAY
1999
Completed
Thabo Mbeki led the ANC to a near two-thirds majority.
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso
Presidential
MAY
1998
Completed
Compaoré re-elected in an environment heavily skewed toward the ruling apparatus.
Eswatini Eswatini
General
MAY
1998
Completed
Elections for the House of Assembly; political parties remain banned by monarchical decree.
Lesotho Lesotho
General
MAY
1998
Completed
LCD won 79 of 80 seats despite receiving 60% of votes, triggering massive protests and SADC military intervention.
Liberia Liberia
General
MAY
1997
Completed
Warlord Charles Taylor elected in an environment dominated by fear of renewed conflict.
Morocco Morocco
Parliamentary
MAY
1997
Completed
First direct elections for the entire lower house; USFP emerged as the largest party under the monarchy.
Benin Benin
Presidential
MAY
1996
Completed
Mathieu Kérékou returned to power via democratic means, cementing Benin's early multi-party credentials.
Chad Chad
Presidential
MAY
1996
Completed
Idriss Déby legitimized his rule through elections following his 1990 military takeover.
Comoros Comoros
Presidential
MAY
1996
Completed
Mohamed Taki Abdoulkarim elected; presidency cut short by his death, leading to a military coup.
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea
Presidential
MAY
1996
Completed
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo ran unopposed after opposition candidates withdrew citing massive fraud.
Gambia Gambia
Presidential
MAY
1996
Completed
Yahya Jammeh transitioned from military ruler to civilian president in heavily managed polls.
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
General
MAY
1996
Completed
Held amidst the devastating civil war; Ahmad Tejan Kabbah elected.
São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé and Príncipe
Presidential
MAY
1996
Completed
Miguel Trovoada re-elected; nation establishes a pattern of competitive, peaceful elections.
Uganda Uganda
Presidential
MAY
1996
Completed
Yoweri Museveni legitimized his rule under the 'no-party' movement system.
Algeria Algeria
Presidential
MAY
1995
Completed
Held during the civil conflict; heavily managed by the military establishment.
Tanzania Tanzania
General
MAY
1995
Completed
First multi-party elections; Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) easily retained power against fragmented opposition.
Botswana Botswana
General
MAY
1994
Completed
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) maintained control, though opposition BNF made historic urban gains.
Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau
General
MAY
1994
Completed
First multi-party elections; João Bernardo Vieira emerged victorious.
Malawi Malawi
General
MAY
1994
Completed
First multi-party elections ended the decades-long rule of Hastings Banda; Bakili Muluzi elected.
Mozambique Mozambique
General
MAY
1994
Completed
First multiparty elections post-civil war; FRELIMO maintained power against RENAMO.
Namibia Namibia
General
MAY
1994
Completed
First post-independence elections; SWAPO won a supermajority, setting a long-term precedent.
South Africa South Africa
General
MAY
1994
Completed
Historic foundational election ending apartheid; ANC won a massive mandate under Nelson Mandela.
Tunisia Tunisia
General
MAY
1994
Completed
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali won unopposed; typical of the pre-revolution authoritarian regime.
Burundi Burundi
General
MAY
1993
Completed
Melchior Ndadaye elected in historic transition, but his subsequent assassination triggered a brutal ethnic civil war.
Central African Republic Central African Republic
General
MAY
1993
Completed
Incumbent André Kolingba peacefully transferred power to Ange-Félix Patassé, marking a rare democratic milestone.
Gabon Gabon
Presidential
MAY
1993
Completed
Omar Bongo re-elected in controversial multiparty elections, maintaining the Bongo family's grip.
Guinea Guinea
Presidential
MAY
1993
Completed
Lansana Conté won the first multiparty elections, though results were highly contested.
Niger Niger
Presidential
MAY
1993
Completed
Mahamane Ousmane elected in Niger's first democratic multiparty elections.
Nigeria Nigeria
Presidential
MAY
1993
Completed
Moshood Abiola widely believed to have won; military annulled the results, plunging the country into crisis.
Seychelles Seychelles
General
MAY
1993
Completed
First multi-party elections since 1974; France-Albert René maintained power.
Togo Togo
Presidential
MAY
1993
Completed
Gnassingbé Eyadéma won following violent suppression of the opposition.
Angola Angola
General
MAY
1992
Completed
First multiparty elections; results rejected by UNITA, immediately triggering a resumption of the civil war.
Cameroon Cameroon
Presidential
MAY
1992
Completed
First multiparty presidential election; Paul Biya secured victory amidst widespread allegations of fraud by the opposition.
Ghana Ghana
Presidential
MAY
1992
Completed
Jerry Rawlings legitimized his rule; opposition boycotted the subsequent parliamentary elections citing fraud.
Kenya Kenya
General
MAY
1992
Completed
First multiparty elections; Daniel arap Moi won against a heavily fractured opposition, marred by ethnic violence.
Mali Mali
Presidential
MAY
1992
Completed
Alpha Oumar Konaré elected in Mali's first democratic transition following military rule.
Mauritania Mauritania
Presidential
MAY
1992
Completed
Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya legitimized his rule; opposition boycotted claiming mass fraud.
Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo
General
MAY
1992
Completed
Pascal Lissouba elected in multi-party polls; period ended violently with the 1997 civil war restoring Denis Sassou-Nguesso.
Benin Benin
Presidential
MAY
1991
Completed
Pioneering democratic transition in West Africa; Mathieu Kérékou defeated by Nicéphore Soglo.
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso
Presidential
MAY
1991
Completed
Blaise Compaoré elected following a boycott by major opposition parties; voter turnout exceptionally low at 35%.
Cabo Verde Cabo Verde
General
MAY
1991
Completed
Historic transition; MpD defeated the former single-party PAICV, establishing a robust two-party democracy.
Mauritius Mauritius
General
MAY
1991
Completed
MSM/MMM coalition victory; continued legacy of robust, competitive parliamentary democracy.
Zambia Zambia
General
MAY
1991
Completed
Early multiparty adopter; Frederick Chiluba defeated incumbent Kenneth Kaunda peacefully.
Comoros Comoros
Presidential
MAY
1990
Completed
Said Mohamed Djohar elected in a volatile post-mercenary transition period.
Cote d’Ivoire Cote d’Ivoire
Presidential
MAY
1990
Completed
Félix Houphouët-Boigny won the first contested election against Laurent Gbagbo, maintaining PDCI dominance.
Egypt Egypt
Parliamentary
MAY
1990
Completed
National Democratic Party (NDP) secured supermajority in an election boycotted by major opposition groups.
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe
General
MAY
1990
Completed
Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF consolidated power, effectively moving toward a de facto one-party state.

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