Imagine a period of just 45 days that could reshape the future of democracy in Africa. A series of elections, held across the continent, have shed light on a troubling reality and sparked a much-needed conversation.
The African Union and regional institutions are facing a critical test of their commitment to democratic principles.
Let's dive into these elections and uncover the stories that have left many questioning the state of governance in Africa.
Malawi: A Test of Trust
On September 16, 2025, Malawi took a bold step towards restoring faith in its electoral process. The country's 2019 election, which saw incumbent President Peter Mutharika, a seasoned law professor, face off against Lazarus Chakwera, a theologian and pastor, was a turning point. The results were so blatantly rigged that the Constitutional Court of Malawi had to intervene, with five judges donning bulletproof vests to annul the declared outcome. This was a rare move in Africa's history, and it set a precedent for upholding the will of the people.
In the 2025 election, an aging Mutharika, now 85, faced his nemesis, Chakwera, who had squandered the goodwill he earned during his presidency. Despite being 15 years younger, Chakwera lost to Mutharika, who secured a resounding 56.8% of the vote. While Malawi's election demonstrated a commitment to transparency, it stands as an exception in a continent where elections often resemble a charade.
Cameroon: A Long-Serving Leader's Re-election
Nearly a month later, on October 12, 2025, Cameroon went to the polls. The incumbent, Paul Biya, is a remarkable 92 years old, having served in various government roles since 1964. He ascended to the presidency in 1982 and has ruled for an astonishing 43 years.
In this year's election, Biya faced a unique opponent: Issa Tchiroma, a 35-year veteran of Biya's cabinet, who resigned to challenge his former boss. The Constitutional Council took a staggering 15 days to tabulate the results, with 8.1 million registered voters and an average turnout of 68.5%. The declared outcome, on October 27, showed Biya winning with 53.66% of the votes, despite his inability to campaign due to health issues. Independent analysts questioned the validity of these results, arguing that Biya's victory was unlikely.
Biya's re-election has drawn international attention, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres notably declining to offer congratulations. Instead, he emphasized the need for an impartial investigation into post-electoral violence and excessive force.
Côte d'Ivoire: A One-Sided Contest
Two weeks after Cameroon's election, on October 25, 2025, Côte d'Ivoire held a peculiar contest. Incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, whose political ambitions once threatened to fragment the country, faced no credible opposition. Born in 1942, Ouattara, now 83, awarded himself nearly 90% of the vote, securing a fourth term in office. This was a slight improvement from his 2020 election, where he claimed 94% of the votes.
Tanzania: An Election in a Graveyard
Just four days after Côte d'Ivoire's election, Tanzania held its own, but under very different circumstances. The incumbent, Samia Suluhu Hassan, inherited the presidency after the death of her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli, in 2021. However, ahead of the election, it became clear that Samia would not tolerate a fair contest.
On October 29, 2025, the day of the election, protests erupted unexpectedly in key cities. Under a media blackout and internet shutdown, Samia's government orchestrated a campaign of targeted mass murder in suspected opposition strongholds. Her electoral commission declared her the winner with an 87% voter turnout and nearly 98% of the vote. As Tanzanians woke up to a horrifying reality of bodies in their courtyards and morgues overflowing, President Samia was secretly inaugurated for a new term at a military base in Dodoma.
Initial estimates suggested hundreds of casualties, but more recent reports indicate over 3,000 killed within 72 hours, with some estimates surpassing 10,000. The scale of the massacre has shocked the nation, leading to widespread outrage.
The Response: A Call for Action
For the first time, official election observer missions from the African Union and the Southern African Development Community concluded that the Tanzanian election did not comply with AU principles. This has sparked a debate on the legitimacy of President Samia's victory.
There is a growing consensus among citizens and institutions that an independent, international investigation is needed to hold those responsible accountable. Tanzania's young people are planning nationwide protests on December 9, 2025, a date laden with symbolic significance: World Anti-Corruption Day, the anniversary of the Genocide Convention, and Tanzania's Independence Day.
These elections have exposed the fragility of democracy in Africa and the urgent need for reform. The African Union and regional institutions must take a stand and demonstrate their commitment to democratic values. The future of the continent depends on it.
What are your thoughts on these elections and the path forward for African democracy?
