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On 3 February 2020, the High Court of Malawi sitting on constitutional matters nullified the presidential election that was held on 21 May 2019. That decision was upheld by the Supreme Court of Appeal on 8 May 2020.

The COVID-19 outbreak has affected the world in all respects, including democracy and fundamental freedoms such as the freedoms of expression and movement, and the right to health. This presents a central challenge for democracies: how to balance mitigating the outbreak and at the same time respecting democratic principles such as accountability, transparency and respect for civil and political rights.

The government of the Republic of Sudan and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) have signed a memorandum of understanding that establishes a framework for International IDEA to provide assistance to Sudan’s democratic transition.

A webinar on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on constitutionalism and the rule of law in the Horn of Africa took place on 25 June 2020. Participants included invited panellists from the region and individuals from the African Union Commission (AUC), the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and other experts and participants from the region.

A webinar on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on constitutionalism and the rule of law in East Africa took place on 11 June 2020. Participants included a selection of invited panellists and individuals from the African Union Commission (AUC), the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and other experts from the East Africa region. The session was guided by a programme and a concept note. The webinar was arranged as part

The AU’s double standard on lifelong leaders who reject term limits undercuts its moral standing to reject military coups.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the fragile socio-economic situation in the countries of North Africa, compounded existing challenges and created new challenges to democratization in the region. While much attention has been paid to the question of the consequences of COVID-19 for electoral processes, its impact on constitutionalism and the rule of law in the countries of North Africa has received relatively less attention.

As the COVID-19 crisis worsens, its impact on the democratic development of African countries is becoming a key issue and a priority. Much attention has
been paid to the question of the pandemic’s consequences for electoral processes, constitutionalism and the rule of law. With very few exceptions, its
impact on transitional justice and social cohesion (re)construction processes in the countries of Africa has received relatively less attention.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this commentary are those of the authors, one of whom is a staff member of International IDEA. This commentary is independent of specific national or political interests. Views expressed do not necessarily represent the institutional position of International IDEA, its Board of Advisers or its Council of Member States.

International IDEA's Country Director in Myanmar Mark McDowell asks Parvinder Singh, Senior Programme Manager - Elections at International IDEA Myanmar about his experience providing technical advice to the National Election Commission of Liberia during the elections of 2014, in the shadow of the nation's Ebola pandemic. 

The G5 Sahel countries—Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger—will organize elections in 2020 and 2021. These elections will take place in a context in which all are facing serious humanitarian and securities challenges, aggravated by the fragility of their institutions. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and its socioeconomic impacts worsen the situation and even raise questions about the possibility to organize elections in so volatile an environment.

The G5 Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad) will organize elections in 2020 and 2021.

These elections will take place in a context in which all are facing serious humanitarian and security challenges, aggravated by the fragility of their institutions. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and its socio-economic impacts worsen the situation and even raise questions about the possibility to organize elections in so volatile an environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has overshadowed critical developments in Africa that would otherwise have occupied front pages. This piece covers the recent backslide in Guinea, following President Alpha Conde’s third term temptation, and charts a hopeful positive end to the crisis. Crucially, it notes that 2020 will witness a number of peaceful alternations of power that the African Union should promote.

The new online platform, developed by International IDEA and supported by the EU, will track the impact of the pandemic on democracy and human rights around the world.

View this press release in Spanish - Está disponible en español. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a health challenge for anglophone countries of Central and West Africa, it is also a litmus test for the consolidation and sustainability of their democratic governance systems.

In that regard, respect for constitutionalism and rule of law during emergency contexts, adopted by governments to stop the spread of the virus, remains a priority.

Lazarus Chakwera’s victory as the new president of Malawi represents a remarkable reversal of fortunes for Peter Mutharika, who almost a year ago was declared the winner in national polls.

La pandémie COVID19 n'est pas seulement un défi sanitaire pour les pays francophones et lusophones d'Afrique centrale et occidentale. Il s'agit également d'un test décisif pour la consolidation et la durabilité de leurs systèmes de gouvernance démocratique. À cet égard, le respect du constitutionnalisme et de l'État de droit dans le cadre des mesures d'urgence adoptés par leurs gouvernements pour arrêter la propagation du virus est une priorité.

Burundians will go to the polls on 20 May 2020 for presidential, legislative and local elections in spite of the risks posed by the coronavirus.