presidential

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A fierce storm is brewing in Somalia's delicate democracy, fueled by the discord over proposed changes to the constitution. These changes are spearheaded by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who stands firm despite a brewing political tempest. Hassan Sheikh envisions a shift to elections by universal suffrage, moving away from the elder-dominated political approach. For thirty years, Somalia has operated under this indirect system amid persistent turmoil. Amidst fierce constitutional debate on…

The latest provincial election results strongly suggest that Daniel Chapo, representing the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo), is on track to clinch victory. According to initial tallies, Frelimo is in front across all eleven provinces. Nevertheless, election monitors are expressing skepticism about the fairness of the process, claiming it fell short of international standards. Reports are filtering in about chaotic ballot counting, ballot boxes that weren’t secured properly, allegations of vote…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Former President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, ex-PM Hassan Ali Khaire, and member of parliament Abdirahman Abdishakur fiercely criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, stating he’s pulling strings to illegitimately extend his tenure. These verbal jabs follow failed high-stakes discussions meant to soothe federal-state relations and reveal an ominous narrative in Somalia, a nation already battling the menace of Al-Shabaab. In a fiery declaration released on Monday, the opposition titans pledged a court…

The High Court of Botswana has officially ruled that four out of five presidential hopefuls possess the necessary backing to vie for the nation's highest office, as stipulated by law. Among these contenders is Mokgweetsi Masisi, who is eyeing a second term in the presidency. Joining Masisi in this political contest are Duma Boko, the head of the opposition coalition known as the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC); Dumelang Saleshando, representing the Botswana Congress Party (BCP); and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana…

With the presidential election in Tunisia approaching in October, there’s a palpable tightening of the reins on dissent, particularly within the media, warns Bassam Khawaja, Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Human Rights Watch. He pointed out that at least five journalists find themselves incarcerated, simply for expressing their viewpoints. “This crackdown is systematically erasing criticism and stifling diverse opinions across Tunisia’s media landscape,” Khawaja noted. He elaborated that meaningful…

Algerians living overseas have started to exercise their right to vote as they prepare for the presidential elections happening this Saturday. Despite the enthusiasm of expatriates, there's a prevailing expectation of a dismal voter turnout within Algeria itself, coupled with predictions leaning towards the probable re-election of the current president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune. On another front, the situation in Algeria remains tense. Authorities have ramped up their efforts to clamp down on civil liberties, targeting…

In Kenya, the presidential marketing campaign gained new momentum for Raila Odinga on Saturday. At a gathering in Nairobi, greater than 20 political events sealed their alliance within the coalition Azimio la Umoja (Quest for Unity in French). Among these…

Somali presidential candidates reject lower house electoral procedures MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Union of Presidential Candidates in Somalia rejected electoral procedures recently prepared for the lower house elections, calling them "unconstitutional", which could delay ongoing preparations for elections in the country. In a statement, the union rejected new procedures that will govern the polls…

The second round of presidential elections is postponed again in São Tome and Principe. On Tuesday, Parliament voted in the small archipelago in the Gulf of Guinea on an "emergency law" for the vote to take place on 5 September. The Electoral Commission had already postponed the second round of presidential elections to August 29, while it was originally scheduled to take place on August 8, following…

Somali presidential candidates lay down preconditions for lower house elections MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Union of Presidential Candidates on Monday issued preconditions for the lower house polls, which are expected to begin soon, and which will be critical for many candidates keen to oust incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. Farmaajo's term expired on February 8, 2021 and since then…