http://nextpeacefulelection.com/2015/07/15/africa-which-way/

Elections offer an opportunity for the consolidation of democratic governance. However, if they are not properly managed, most especially in countries with conflict or political instability, it may further fuel and aggravate violence.
With half part of 2015 gone, and elections held in some African countries such as Nigeria and Sudan. Our spirit is renewed with more hope for better concluding half.
Central African Republic, Tanzania, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, Guinea and Niger are scheduled to have elections in second half of year 2015.
Burkina Faso and Burundi have experienced violence of high magnitude, while Central African Republic (CAR) was among the bloodiest countries in Africa in 2014. Special attention is given to these 3 countries (CAR, Burundi and Burkina Faso) heading for elections in the second half of 2015 based on the history and volatile nature of the political atmosphere in these countries.

Central African Republic;
On the 25th of August, 2012, peace Agreement was signed between the government and the rebel group in the Central African Republic (CAR) aimed at ending the “Bush War” which started in 2004. However, political violence continued in the eastern and central parts of the country. Also, on the 10th of December, 2012, N’Délé, Sam Ouandja and Ouadda towns were seized by a member of Séléka coalition. Some central African states and South Africa sent in troops to secure the country and its capital, Bangui, from Seleka. In addition to peacekeeping support, there is financial assistance from the international community for the polls, including from the EU and United Nations Development Programme.
On 11 January 2013, a ceasefire agreement was signed in Libreville, Gabon between the government, Séléka and the political opposition which led to request of a new prime minister from the opposition on 18th of January, 2013. A year-long coalition government formed and a new election called for within 12 months. Also, the National Assembly of the Central African Republic was dissolved. The interim government would implement judicial reforms, amalgamate the rebel troops with government soldiers to establish a new national military, and introduce other social and economic reforms. However, Séléka was not required to give up the cities captured in order to ensure that the government would not renege on the agreement.
Ongoing violence and a lack of funds saw the presidential polls, initially planned for early in 2015 postponed. Presidential and parliamentary elections will be held in the Central African Republic on 18 October and 22 November 2015.

Burundi
Incumbent President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term faced criticism ahead of the polls with critics questioning the constitutionality of the move. The ruling party (National Council for the Defense of Democracy) and the opposition disagreed over whether President Pierre Nkurunziza was eligible to run for a third term in office. Allies of Nkurunziza claimed that he was eligible for a third term, as his first term began after being elected by Parliament rather than a popular vote, and so was not included in the term limit.
Series of protests and clashes with police in Bujumbura, Burundi after the ruling party declared Nkurunziza as the presidential candidate for 2015 election to be held.
On 5 May 2015 the Constitutional Court ruled that Nkurunziza was eligible to stand for a third term, although its ruling followed the court’s Vice President Sylvere Nimpagaritse fleeing the country, saying that most of the court judges believed that Nkurunziza standing for a third term was unconstitutional, but that they had come under pressure to change their minds.
On 13 May, a coup attempt was launched by elements in the military opposed to Nkurunziza’s third term bid, but loyalist soldiers reasserted control by the next day. Both the African Union and the United States have called for Nkurunziza’s withdrawal.
Presidential elections will be held in Burundi on 21 July 2015.

Burkina Faso
Ahead of the 2015 elections, It will interest to know that following an amendment in 2000, the constitution limits presidents to two terms of five years. However, the restrictions were not applied retrospectively, allowing President Blaise Compaoré, who had been in office since 1987, to run for a further two terms, as he was re-elected in 2005 and 2010.
However, Compaoré had to resign following series of protest, with the National Assembly building, Ouagadougou City Hall and the Congress for Democracy and Progress headquarters set on fire mainly attributed to decision of National Assembly to vote on a constitutional amendment that would scrap term limits. After a brief power struggle, the armed forces asserted that Yacouba Isaac Zida had their unanimous backing to be the interim head of state, although some protests continued against having a military-led interim administration.
General elections will be held in Burkina Faso on 11 October 2015.

Next peaceful election; for all by all

too long

I wish I had the appetite to continue reading this