Next Africa Can Africa reverse the trend of No Contest Elections?
Oct 30, 2025
Yinka Ibukun, a senior reporter at Bloomberg focusing on African politics, dives into the troubling trend of 'no contest' elections in several African nations. He discusses Cameroon and Ivory Coast, where incumbents secured victories amid opposition bans. Yinka raises concerns about 'democratic dictators' and potential coups, while highlighting youth backlash and Gen Z activism in countries like Kenya. He also shares a hopeful note on Senegal, where public protests enabled a generational leadership shift, emphasizing the need for real reform through stronger institutions.
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Cameroon's Tense Electoral Crossroads
- Paul Biya's re-election exposes a dangerous crossroads for Cameroon as a weakened opposition faced a 92-year-old incumbent.
- Youth-led support for Issa Chiroma Bakari showed strong appetite for change despite official results favouring Biya.
Stability Trumps Scrutiny In Ivory Coast
- Alassane Ouattara's huge win in Côte d'Ivoire followed the exclusion of key challengers and raised credibility concerns.
- Western actors largely looked away because Ouattara delivers growth and security cooperation in a volatile region.
Pattern Of Exclusion And Digital Control
- Tanzania's election echoed a pattern of barring opponents, predicting an incumbent-friendly outcome amid crackdowns.
- Authorities also restricted the internet, curbing young people's social-media-driven mobilisation on polling day.