elections

Somalia not ready for one-person, one-vote, ex-President Sheikh Sharif warns MOGADISHU — Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed says Somalia is not prepared for a genuine one-person, one-vote election, warning that the country’s security and future are at serious risk without a broad political agreement and practical groundwork. In an interview with the BBC Somali Service on Wednesday, Sheikh Sharif said the current push by the government for nationwide direct elections does not reflect realities on the ground…

MOGADISHU — The Somali Electoral Commission said Monday that a dozen political organizations have submitted candidate lists for the December 25 district elections in the Banadir region, marking a significant step toward the first such vote held in the capital in more than 50 years. Commission Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan told reporters in Mogadishu that the 12 organizations have collectively put forward hundreds of names toward the required slate of 390 candidates per party. Some groups have completed their submissions,…

Windhoek — Namibia’s ruling Swapo party captured a decisive share of seats in Monday’s local authority elections, winning just over 52% of all seats nationwide, electoral authorities said, marking an increase of nearly 40% compared with the 2020 local polls. Officials also reported turnout was low, with fewer than 40% of registered voters casting ballots. The results reaffirm Swapo’s standing after three decades in national government, but analysts cautioned the party’s gains do not translate into uncontested control at the…

Mogadishu begins voter card rollout for local council elections Somalia’s electoral commission on Saturday began issuing voter cards in Mogadishu, a step the capital has seldom seen after years marked by conflict, displacement and political uncertainty. The process opened across multiple districts with steady turnout and orderly lines as residents prepared to participate in upcoming local council polls. Distribution started in Hamarjajab, Waberi, Shangani, Hamarweyne, Boondheere, Abdiaziz and Shibis districts. Officials…

Reflecting on Paul Biya's Enduring Reign in Cameroon With yet another electoral victory, Paul Biya extends his hold as Cameroon's president, marking a staggering 43 years in power. This milestone positions him as Africa’s oldest president and one of the world's longest-serving leaders. At 92, Biya remains a figure of intrigue and contention, having deftly navigated the political landscape of a nation that has seen significant upheaval and change since gaining independence in 1960. The Enigmatic "Sphinx" of Yaoundé Biya's…

Hope and Frustration: Youth Perspectives in Côte d'Ivoire's Presidential Elections As Côte d'Ivoire prepares to head to the polls on October 25 for a pivotal presidential election, a palpable wave of anticipation mingles with frustration among its most vital demographic: its youth. With around 75% of the country’s 38 million citizens under the age of 35, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Many of these young people find themselves grappling with limited job opportunities and a sense of disillusionment stemming from the current…

As Côte d'Ivoire Prepares for Elections, Misinformation Casts a Shadow As Côte d'Ivoire gears up for a critical election on October 25, a silent yet pervasive threat looms over the democratic process: misinformation. The nation, known for its vibrant culture and commitment to progress, is grappling with a troubling rise in false narratives proliferated through the ever-ubiquitous social media. This election, like previous ones, is not just a test of the political system but a reflection of the societal fractures that…

Protests Ignite in Côte d'Ivoire as Election Day Approaches As Côte d'Ivoire braces for a presidential election on October 25, a palpable tension fills the air, marked by the recent announcement from the country’s leading opposition parties. On the heels of their leaders, Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, being barred from contesting, a call for daily nationwide protests rings through the streets of this West African nation. The situation has quickly escalated into a scenario that echoes the political turmoil of…

A Nation on the Edge: Cameroon's Pivotal Election In the heart of Central Africa, Cameroon stands at a crossroads. On Sunday, Cameroonians cast their votes in an election that could perpetuate the rule of the world's oldest leader, President Paul Biya, or pivot the country towards change. For nearly 41 years, Biya, now 92, has navigated the turbulent waters of leadership following his ascent in 1982. But with fractures appearing in his long-standing image, this election may signal a new dawn. Biya's Legacy and the Winds of…

You are a senior international journalist. First, read the source news carefully and decide whether it is best written as: Breaking News → urgent, fast-moving event, immediate facts first. Feature Story → human, textured, on-the-ground narrative. Opinion/Analysis → reflective, interpretive, connecting events to wider trends. Based on the content, automatically choose the right style (don’t ask me to specify) and rewrite into an original piece for a global audience. Rules: Length: 700–1100 words depending on…