A political storm is set to sweep across Africa in 2025, as nations prepare for pivotal elections shaping their futures.
From presidential battles to legislative contests, the year ahead will be a defining chapter for democracy across the continent. At least nine presidential elections, seven legislative votes, two senatorial races, two municipal elections, and two referendums are scheduled.
Gabon will kick off the high-stakes political season with presidential elections on April 12, following a 2023 coup that unseated Ali Bongo. Transitional leader Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema is widely expected to run for the nation’s top seat.
Burundi will hold legislative elections on June 5 and senatorial elections on July 23, while Malawi is set for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections on September 16. Incumbent Lazarus Chakwera seeks reelection, with over 2.5 million registered voters poised to decide his fate.
Seychelles will cast its ballots for both presidential and legislative representatives on September 27. With just over 56,000 registered voters, the island nation’s election is one of Africa’s smallest yet highly contested.
Guinea’s transitional leader Mamadi Doumbouya has promised a return to civilian rule by late 2025 through a referendum and general elections. Meanwhile, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Tanzania will each hold presidential elections in October, setting the stage for high-stakes political showdowns.
Guinea-Bissau plans to hold presidential and legislative elections between October 23 and November 25, though an exact date remains undecided. The Central African Republic will close the year’s elections with a presidential race in December.
Togo and Comoros have already started their electoral processes, with Togo holding its first-ever senatorial elections on February 15 and Comoros wrapping up its legislative and municipal elections by February 16.
With shifting alliances, emerging candidates, and long-standing leaders seeking reelection, Africa’s 2025 elections will be a turning point for governance across the continent.