Here are 3 African elections to look forward to in Q4 of 2019:

Mozambique

On the 15th of October, the people of Mozambique will head to the polls to vote in what has been branded the toughest election yet for the southern African country. Despite the recent peace accord between the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) and, the rebels now turned opposition party, Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), continued violence threatens the country’s elections and stability post-elections.

Campaign Violence

Last month, Club of Mozambique reported that 10 people were killed during a stampede at President Philipe Nyusi’s campaign rally, where 98 were injured as well. This incident is understood to be the deadliest incident since the election campaign in Mozambique began on the 31st of August this year.

This comes on the heels of a recently signed peace deal aimed at ending the conflict between Renamo and Frelimo.

Another 10 people were recently killed by a Renamo splinter group? whom, according to CNB Africa, expressed to foreign media that they do not recognise the peace accord and elections will not go ahead as planned.

Presidential Seats Contenders

There are about 5 candidates contesting for the presidential seat this year. Notably, for the first time in the country’s history, there is a female presidential candidate, Alica Mabota, in the running.

The other candidates are the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM)’s David Simango, Mario Albino from the Extraparliamentary Action Party for Integral Salvation (AMUSI) and ruling under the Party of Optimists for the Development of Mozambique card is singer Helder Mendonca, popularly known by his stage name Dino XS as noted by writer, Farida Adamu.

Botswana

Similarly, Botswana will hold general elections on the 23rd of October this year. The campaigns and different electoral processes leading up to election day are already underway.

Presidential Nominations

The most recent activity being confirmation of presidential nominations before the Chief Justice. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) will be led by current President Mokgweetsi Masisi, while Duma Boko leading the pack at the United for Democratic Change (UDC). Ndaba Gaolatlhe and Biggie Butale are also nominated as Presidents for Alliance for Progressives (AP) and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) respectively.

Crossing the floor ahead of nominations

On the 25th of September, former President Ian Khama’s brother and former Minister of Youth Empowerment, Culture and Sports Development, Tshekedi Khama, tendered his resignation from the ruling party.

“TK,” as he is affectionately known, resigned from the party just a few hours before parliamentary nomination. Until his resignation, he appeared to support the Masisi camp, although there were speculations that he could jump ship after the elections.

The BDP has since released a statement acknowledging his resignation from the party and his position as a cabinet member.

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Namibia

Another country in the region that will hold its elections this year is Namibia, with the date set for 27 November. Unlike the other two countries above, Namibia’s election outlook is fairly smooth which is almost an anomaly for African elections..

Xinhua notes that the leader of the ruling party, South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), and President Hage Geingob recently held an electoral college, nominating next potential members of parliament.

Contenders

The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), led by McHenry Venaani, also held its electoral college on 28 September, according to Namibian Broadcasting Corporation.

Notably, opposition parties, PDM and United People’s Movement (UPM), signed a coalition agreement on August 28.

Windhoek Observer, however, notes that even though some opposition parties have applauded this move, others opined that it is quite late in the race to join a coalition. Instead, they would rather contest independently of an alliance.

Despite coalition move and other cards they may have up their sleeves, opposition parties are unlikely to yield any reasonable amount of power, guaranteeing a SWAPO win.

Summarily, Mozambique elections will be taking place on the heels of many firsts while posing a litmus test for SADC, post-elections. For Botswana, the electorate is waiting for election day with bated breath as this year’s election cycle has been riddled with the unexpected and unprecedented behaviour with the former President Ian Khama at the centre of the recent events.

Lastly, it is very likely that President Hage Geingob will lead the country for another term as the opposition has very little chance at making any real impact in the election.

These 3 southern African elections promise a lot of poll-related upsets and surprises.