In 2026, a significant number of African states will hold national elections that could shape the political trajectory of the continent. From East to West and North to Southern Africa, voters will go to the polls for presidential, parliamentary or general elections throughout the year.
Uganda began the year with national elections on January 15, including the presidency and legislature. Later in March, the Republic of the Congo will hold its presidential election as long-time leader Denis Sassou Nguesso seeks another term.
Several West African countries have scheduled polls in 2026. Benin will conduct parliamentary elections early in the year and presidential voting in April. Guinea-Bissau, recovering from a 2025 coup, has set December 6 as the date for both presidential and legislative elections. The Gambia plans a presidential contest on December 5.
In East Africa, Ethiopia will hold general elections on June 1, renewing the House of Peoples’ Representatives. Across the Atlantic, Cape Verde intends to stage both parliamentary and presidential elections, with the presidential vote slated for October. Djibouti is also expected to go to the polls for presidential elections in the spring, although exact dates remain under discussion.
Southern Africa will see Zambia host general elections on August 13, offering voters a chance to choose both their president and legislature. On Africa’s Gulf of Guinea island state of São Tomé and Príncipe, parliamentary elections are scheduled for September, with the full electoral calendar expected to include presidential voting as well.
Finally, Morocco and Algeria will conduct legislative elections in the latter part of 2026 as part of their regular electoral cycles. These elections reflect diverse political contexts and democratic processes across Africa, ranging from highly contested national votes to transitions after political instability.