NAIROBI, Kenya- Members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) are calling for a more significant role in the upcoming election of the next African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson.
The move comes as the February 2025 election approaches, and lawmakers are urging candidates to engage directly with Africa’s representatives.
Kenyan Senator Danson Mungatana, leading the Kenyan delegation to the PAP, has emphasized the need for candidates vying for the top AUC post to present their vision to the Pan-African Parliament.
His proposal, backed by fellow parliamentarians, is aimed at ensuring that Africa’s elected representatives are involved in key decisions about the continent’s leadership.
“The Pan-African Parliament should collaborate with the African Union Commission to invite candidates for the Chairpersonship to address us on their vision and plans for the future,” Mungatana said, stressing the importance of transparency.
This call aligns with PAP’s broader mandate, which seeks to ensure that African citizens have a voice in the continent’s development and integration efforts.
PAP, established to represent people from all African states, serves as a platform for discussing critical challenges facing Africa.
The election for the AUC Chairperson is set to take place during the February 2025 African Union Summit.
Among the high-profile contenders is Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, who will compete against Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, former Mauritius Foreign Minister Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, and Richard James Randriamandrato, the former Foreign Minister of Madagascar.
The process follows a principle of inter-regional rotation, ensuring equitable representation across Africa’s regions.
Candidates from the Eastern region will compete for the Chairperson position, while the Northern region submits candidates for the Deputy Chairperson post. The remaining portfolios are allocated to the Central, Southern, and Western regions.
This election cycle also prioritizes gender parity, a long-standing goal of the African Union. If a male is elected Chairperson, a female must be elected Deputy, ensuring a balance in leadership.
In the lead-up to the election, candidates will participate in a televised debate known as MjadalaAfrika. The debate provides a platform for the public to ask questions and seek clarity on key issues affecting Africa’s development.
The PAP’s push for greater involvement reflects its commitment to ensuring that the election process remains transparent and inclusive.
This year’s AUC election will mark another step in the African Union’s journey to foster accountable leadership and a sustainable future for the continent.
