It’s a busy year for Africa’s democracy as nineteen African countries head to the polls in 2026.
The list begins with Benin which holds its National Assembly elections on January 11, 2026, followed by a presidential election three months later on April 12.
The election comes at a delicate time for the country’s democracy and security following a foiled coup attempt on December 7, 2025. Some analysts believe Benin faces its biggest democracy test as the result of the election will determine the stability of the country’s democracy.
Uganda follows Benin with a keenly contested election between 81-year-old incumbent Yoweri Museveni and his 43-year-old contender Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly called Bobi Wine.
Both candidates believe they are the better choice for Uganda, but polls put Museveni 64% ahead of the former musician turned politician.
In March 2026, Congo will hold another tightly watched presidential race which has 82-year-old Denis Sassou Nguesso, extending his decades-long grip on power against an opposition coalition, the Alliance for Democratic Change in 2026.
The list follows with Libya, Djibouti and Cape Verde all expecting their presidential and or parliamentary elections in April 2026.
Cameroon is expected to hold its Parliamentary elections the following month, in May 2026, followed by Ethiopia and Algeria in June 2026.
Zambia holds its general elections on August 13; Morocco holds parliamentary elections in September with The Gambia and South Sudan scheduled for later in December 2026.
