The election of the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson is set to take center stage. The process will unfold in February 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as the 55 African Union (AU) member states cast their votes for the next leader of the commission. This election marks the end of Chad’s Moussa Faki’s tenure, which began in 2017.
Election Procedure
The election process will commence with the Executive Council electing six commissioners on February 12-13, 2025. Subsequently, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government will elect the AUC Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson on February 15-16, 2025.
To secure victory, a candidate must obtain a two-thirds majority of votes from the AU Heads of State. Voting will be conducted via secret ballot and will continue through three rounds if no candidate secures the required majority in the initial rounds. This process is designed to ensure consensus and broad support for the elected leader. The 2017 elections saw Kenya’s candidate, Amina Mohamed, lose to Moussa Faki after seven rounds of voting. Notably, several East African nations, including Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, and Tanzania, did not back Kenya’s candidate in that contest.
The Contenders
Three candidates are vying for the AUC’s top position:
- Raila Odinga (Kenya)
- Mohamoud Youssouf (Djibouti)
- Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar)
Each candidate brings a unique vision for the AU, and their ability to garner widespread continental support will be critical in determining the outcome.
Roles of the AUC Chairperson
The AUC Chairperson serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the AU, its legal representative, and the Commission’s Chief Accounting Officer. The position involves overseeing the commission’s administration and finances, promoting AU objectives, coordinating with key stakeholders, and managing commission staff. Additionally, the chairperson acts as the depository for all AU and OAU treaties and legal instruments, making the role vital to the union’s governance.
Odinga’s Prospects
Since August 2024, Raila Odinga has been actively campaigning across the continent, rallying support from African leaders. President William Ruto has been a key ally in his campaign, lobbying for Odinga’s election. So far, 19 African nations, including Kenya, Togo, Gambia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Algeria, have reportedly pledged their support for Odinga.
As the February elections approach, the race for the AUC Chairperson remains dynamic, with candidates intensifying their diplomatic engagements to secure the decisive two-thirds majority vote.
