After the fall of autocratic ruler Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe faces a difficult choice between the stability of a transnational government or a potentially divisive election contest.
Zimbabwe National Army commander Constantino Chiwenga, second from left, addressing the media.
EPA-EFE/Aaron Ufumeli
Contrary to popular sentiment that the coup in Zimbabwe would usher in a new era of democracy, the military intervention is much more about a succession crisis in the ruling Zanu-PF.
The coup in Zimbabwe means Mugabe’s long and disastrous presidency is finally over. The questions that remain are the precise details and mechanics of the deal which secures his departure.
Don’t forget us: the UK’s minster for Africa, Rory Stewart.
FCO via Flickr
The outcome of the race between increasingly artful electoral manipulation and limitless possible manifestations of democratic expression is never entirely certain.
South Africa’s governing party, the ANC, faces a crucial, decisive but potentially divisive leadership choice.
EPA/Nic Bothma
For the first time since its unbanning the ANC needs to find a new direction. Its supporters and South African voters are no longer content with resolutions that promise to end to corruption.
Supporters of Joao Lourenco and the ruling MPLA during an election campaign rally in Luanda.
EPA/Manuel de Almeida
Angola’s recent election results showed the ruling MPLA losing support across the country. If opposition claims are to be taken seriously, the losses could be more severe than they appear.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s record on women’s rights has been mixed.
REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri
The international media and her supporters continue to hoist Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf up as the matron of African women’s rights. But she does not deserve this title.
South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa unwittingly fell for an old trick used to discredit politicians.
GCIS
Instead of ignoring his accusers, South Africa’s Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa entertained them, tried to silence them through court, and then revealed a long-past affair of little interest.
Opposition Kenyan leader Raila Odinga speaks out after the election was declared invalid.
Reuters/Baz Ratner
By failing to provide details on what invalidated Kenya’s election, the country’s Supreme Court has created an impossible timeline for organising re-elections within 60 days.
Opposition supporters outside Kenya’s Supreme Court.
Daniel Irungu/EPA
Some might see Kenya’s presidential election petition as ‘nuisance legislation’. But legal arbitration must be encouraged as an audit to the democratic process.
João Lourenço, set to become Angola’s president, is unlikely to bring any major changes.
EPA/Manuel de Almeida
Angola’s president-elect, João Lourenço, has a reputation for relative probity. But, he’s unlikely to rock the boat as Eduardo dos Santos remains party chairman.
Kenyan papers the day after the polls closed.
EPA/Daniel Irungu
Kenya has just gone through a charged campaign period, followed by a contested election result. The media has been out in force covering it all. But did they do a good job?
People queued to cast their votes in Kenya’s election. The final results have yet to be released.
Siegfried Modola/Reuters
In Kenya, the overwhelming majority of political contributions come from a tiny number of individuals. This model of financing turns politics into a high-stakes game that very often turns violent.
Rwandan presidential candidate, Frank Habineza, waves to supporters.
Reuters/Jean Bizimana
With frequent irregularities, it’s easy to become cynical about elections in Africa. But polls are an essential component of the continent’s growing democracy.
Election campaign posters in Kibera slum, Nairobi, ahead of the upcomig polls.
EPA/Dai Kurokawa
The two main candidates in Kenya’s election are incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta and the opposition’s Raila Odinga. Polls have them neck-and-neck. Here’s what you need to know about the key issues.
The DRC says presidential elections would probably not happen this year as President Joseph Kabila holds on to power.
Nic Bothma/EPA
President Joseph Kabila remains in office despite upheaval in the DRC. He can still save face and a change of heart could see him become the first Congolese president to relinquish power.
Documents released ahead of the policy conference of South Africa’s embattled governing ANC show it hasn’t the guts or internal balance of forces, for self-correction and renewal.
Chief Research Specialist in Democracy and Citizenship at the Human Science Research Council and a Research Fellow Centre for African Studies, University of the Free State