Elections across Africa are increasingly being postponed or canceled, raising concerns about democratic backsliding. A notable example is Nigeria, where the 2023 general elections faced significant delays, though they ultimately proceeded. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who attempted to extend his tenure in 2006 but failed, has been a vocal critic of such trends.
According to reports from the African Union and various election monitoring groups, at least a dozen African countries have postponed elections since 2020, citing reasons from security concerns to logistical challenges. In some cases, incumbents have used these delays to consolidate power.
Experts warn that this pattern undermines public trust in democratic processes. The situation varies by country, with some elections proceeding on schedule despite challenges. However, the overall trend points to growing difficulties in holding timely and credible elections across the continent.
