The year 2025 is set to be a significant one for Africa, with numerous countries heading to the polls to elect new leaders and representatives.

Burundi, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic are amongst the countries set to hold presidential and legislative elections. These elections are crucial for the future of these nations, as they will determine the direction of their governments and economies.

Comoros, Egypt and Gabon are also scheduled to hold parliamentary elections, while Ivory Coast, Malawi and Tanzania will hold presidential elections. Seychelles will also hold a general election whilst South Africa will hold local government elections.

Namibia and Togo are also expected to hold elections, although the exact dates have not been confirmed.

Ivory Coast’s presidential election is expected to be highly contested with several candidates already declaring their intention to run. In a historic first for Africa, Simone Gbagbo, the ex-wife of former President Laurent Gbagbo, will run against her former husband in the presidential election.

In Gabon, general elections are due to be held in August 2025, marking the country’s first elections since the Bongo dynasty was overthrown in the 2023 coup. The elections will be crucial in determining the future of Gabon and could even influence the entire region thus according to Dr. Marius Akoue, a political scientist.

The elections will be held under a new constitution, which was approved in a referendum in November 2024. The referendum abolished the post of prime minister, set presidential terms to seven years renewable once, and introduced requirements for presidential candidates to have at least one Gabonese parent and a Gabonese spouse.

Brice Oligui Nguema, the incumbent transitional president, is expected to run in the election. The minister of interior, Hermann Immongault recently announced a revision of the electoral lists from the second of January to the 31st, 2025, to prepare for the elections .

While it’s difficult to predict the outcome of the elections, the 2025 polls are expected to be highly competitive. The elections will be a significant test for the transitional government and will determine the future direction of Gabon.

In Cameroon, President Paul Biya announced that he will be running for re-election. Biya has been in power since 1982, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

South Africa’s local government elections, scheduled for 2025, will serve as a litmus test for the Government of National Unity (GNU), formed in 2024. The GNU, comprising 11 political parties, was born out of political necessity after the 2024 elections. It’s success in the local government elections will largely depend on its ability to demonstrate effective governance and accountability.

The local government elections will be a crucial indicator of the GNU’s ability to work together and deliver services to the people. If the GNU performs well, it could strengthen its position and demonstrate its commitment to effective governance. On the other hand, if it fails to deliver, it could lead to a loss of public trust and potentially even the collapse of the GNU.

Furthermore, the local government elections will also serve as a referendum for the MK Party. The party, which was founded in December 2023 by former President Jacob Zuma, has been gaining momentum and will be looking to make a strong showing in the elections. The MK Party’s performance will be closely watched, as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in South African politics.

Several factors will likely impact the results of the 2025 African elections. Electoral management, incumbent power, regional stability, and youth participation will all play a role. Additionally, individual-level factors such as income, education, and age, as well as socio-cultural factors like social identity and group identity, will influence voting decisions.

External factors including climate change concerns, healthcare experiences, economic conditions, and media impact will also shape the outcome of the elections.