The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is set to elect a new president in May 2026, with Algeria and Morocco emerging as the leading candidates. The election follows the end of the term of the current president, Fortune Charumbira of Zimbabwe.
Algeria has nominated MP Noureddine Benbraham for the presidency. Morocco, which rejoined the African Union in 2017, has put forward MP Moustafa El Khalfi, a former government minister, as its candidate. The presidency is a significant diplomatic position within the African Union's legislative body.
The election process has been marked by regional political dynamics. The position is traditionally rotated among Africa's five regions, and the upcoming term is allocated to the Northern region. The candidacies highlight ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two North African nations within continental institutions.
The vote is scheduled to take place during the PAP's next plenary session. The outcome will determine the leadership of the advisory body for the next term, influencing its agenda on continental integration, peace, and security.
