Name: Five key African elections to watch in 2026
Uploaded: 2026-01-15T17:11:45.295Z
Duration: 3 min 12 s
Description: This year, several African countries will hold major elections, ranging from presidential to parliamentary. Here are five important 2026 contests you should know about.

This year, several African countries will hold major elections, ranging from presidential to parliamentary. Here are five important 2026 contests you should know about.

In 2026, several African countries are scheduled to hold major elections that could influence the continent's political landscape. Uganda, Republic of Congo, Benin, Ethiopia, and Gambia will each see pivotal contests, with long-standing leaders, opposition coalitions, and new candidates vying for power.

These elections come amid various challenges, including disputed past results, political unrest, and transitions of power. The outcomes are seen as crucial for the future governance, stability, and democratic progress in both the respective countries and the wider African region.

Five key African elections to watch in 2026

2026 is a crucial year for governance on the African continent. Here are some of the most important elections. Uganda, whose election falls on January 15th, long-time leader Yoweri Museveni is hoping for another term in office. His closest rival and opposition candidate, Bobby Wine, is counting on young voters to propel him to victory. Museveni has won all previous elections which the opposition has disputed. Next up is the Republic of Congo on March 22. In the oil-rich country, President Denis Sassou Nguesso's Congolese Labour Party, PCT, has ruled for decades. The main challenger is the Rally of Forces for Change, RFC, a coalition of eight opposition parties. The opposition is facing an uphill battle. The PCT holds 112 out of 151 seats in the National Assembly. In April, Benin will hold elections. The West African country is still coming to terms with the attempted coup on December 7, 2025. The country's 67-year-old president, Patrice Talon, is nearing the end of his second five-year term. He will not be contesting in this election. His hand-picked successor, Finance Minister Romo Wadani, is the favourite to win. Talon has presided over strong economic development across his nearly a decade in power, but critics accuse him of restricting political opposition and basic rights. Then in June, Ethiopian voters go to the polls. This election will take place amid political and social upheaval. The country is still healing from the conflict between the TPLF and the national government. Currently, there is a raging fight between government forces and final fighters in the Amhara region. In addition, there's the looming threat of war with Eritrea. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who heads the Prosperity Party, PP, will be on the ballot again. His party controls roughly 97% of federal parliamentary seats. The opposition is a patchwork of political parties, but the outcome of this election is crucial for maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa. December 5 is an important date for Gambians. The presidential election will determine if incumbent Adam Abaro can secure a third term. His third term bid is allowed by the constitution, but is contentious. His election will be held in the shadow of exited former leader Yaya Jame, who still wields considerable influence in the country. The main opposition is the United Democratic Party, UDP, which has chosen Osain Odabu as its candidate. Gambia is certainly one to watch. From east to west Africa, these elections will be pivotal for governance, stability, and democratic development across the continent. Which election will you be following keenly?

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