African Elections

2011 is a pivotal year for democracy in Africa. 28 countries are scheduled to go to the polls to elect local, regional, and parliamentary representatives; the Presidency will be up for grabs in 18 of those contests. The year began with a prolonged and violent political standoff in Cote d’Ivoire and presidential elections in Uganda tarnished by accusations that the field had been tilted in favor of the incumbent. Africa’s largest electorate, Nigeria, went to the polls in April, holding elections which were recognized as the most credible in its history but were at the same time marred by serious violence. In November, one of Africa’s most unstable countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo, holds presidential elections which risk being compromised by a lack of funding and international attention. The Africa Program will be following these and other elections across the continent in the coming year. Check back often to find updated resources on elections across the continent.