The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship elections are a pivotal event shaping Africa’s governance and international representation. As the executive body of the African Union (AU), the AUC is tasked with executing policies, coordinating diplomatic engagements, and steering the continent’s economic and political future.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of the elections slated for February 15-16, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Role of the AUC Chairperson

The AUC chairperson is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the AU, representing Africa on the global stage, and ensuring that AU mandates, including Agenda 2063, are effectively implemented. The chairperson works alongside a deputy and six commissioners who handle portfolios ranging from peace and security to economic affairs. The role requires extensive diplomatic experience, an understanding of continental policies, and the ability to build consensus among diverse member states.

The Election Process

The election process is guided by the AU statutes, which stipulate:

• The Assembly of Heads of State and Government elects the chairperson and deputy chairperson.
• The Executive Council elects the commissioners, who are then appointed by the Assembly.
• The 2025 elections adhere to a regional rotation principle, with the Eastern region nominating candidates for the chairperson role and the Northern region providing candidates for deputy chairperson.
• Gender balance is a key factor: if the chairperson is male, the deputy must be female. Since all chairperson candidates this year are male, the deputy will automatically be a woman.
• Candidates were pre-selected by a Panel of Eminent Africans to ensure regional balance, gender equity, and merit-based consideration.
• The elections are conducted via a secret ballot, and a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority (at least 33 out of 55 member states) to win.

If no candidate secures the required majority after three rounds of voting, the election may be postponed, and the Deputy Chairperson assumes interim leadership until a new election is held.

Key Candidates

Three candidates have emerged as front-runners for the AUC Chairperson position:

• Raila Odinga (Kenya) – Former Prime Minister and experienced diplomat, known for his advocacy for Pan-Africanism, economic development, and continental integration.
• Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti) – Current Foreign Minister with extensive regional experience and a strong record in peace negotiations.
• Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar) – Former Finance Minister with a strong economic development agenda, focused on financial reforms and trade policies.

These candidates participated in a live televised debate, Mjadala Africa, on December 13, 2024, outlining their visions for Africa’s future. Their campaigns have revolved around strengthening the AU’s role in conflict resolution, improving economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and addressing security challenges.

What’s at Stake?

The AUC plays a crucial role in shaping policies on conflict resolution, economic development, and governance. The incoming chairperson will be expected to navigate pressing continental issues, including regional security challenges, economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), and AU institutional reforms. Other key issues include managing relations with global powers, boosting intra-Africa trade, and ensuring member states uphold democratic governance and human rights.

The winner of the election will also be responsible for leading the AU’s diplomatic engagements, especially in negotiations with external partners like the European Union, the United Nations, and global financial institutions.

LINDA ALELA:ANCHOR,REPORTER AND LEAD GENDER DESK

MUTHONI BRENDA