The election for the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson is gaining momentum, with three candidates from the East African bloc emerging as strong contenders for the top post. The election, scheduled to take place in February 2025 at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will see the AU Assembly cast their votes via a secret ballot.

The AUC chairperson position has historically been held by individuals from the Western, Central, and Southern regions of the African Union. However, the AU Executive Council has asserted that the East African region should produce the next chairperson, with North Africa vying for the deputy chairperson post. This shift in regional representation is expected to bring about a new era of leadership and development to the continent.

The three candidates from the East African bloc, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Raila Odinga from Kenya, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar, have been penciled down as likely replacements for the current chairperson, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, whose tenure will be ending soon. Each candidate brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, with a focus on addressing key challenges facing the continent.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, a seasoned diplomat from Djibouti, has stressed the need for peace, security, and collaborative conflict resolution in Africa. Raila Odinga, a former Kenyan Prime Minister, has emphasized economic integration, proposing enhanced infrastructure and trade networks to strengthen ties between African nations and global markets. Richard Randriamandrato, a respected politician from Madagascar, has committed to advancing Agenda 2063, prioritizing reforms identified by the conference of heads of state.

The candidates' visions for the continent's future were showcased at the Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate, held on December 13, 2024, at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa. The debate focused on tackling key challenges and advancing Agenda 2063, Africa's development blueprint. The candidates' ability to articulate their vision and strategies for addressing the continent's challenges will be crucial in securing the votes of the AU Assembly.

The election outcome will have significant implications for the continent's development trajectory. The next AUC chairperson will play a critical role in ensuring adherence to AU policies and maintaining continental harmony. With the election just around the corner, all eyes will be on the candidates as they make their final pitches to the AU Assembly.

The voting process will be influenced by regional blocs, including the East African Community (EAC), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Countries within these blocs typically back candidates from their region or those with significant regional impact.

As the election approaches, questions arise about how African countries will vote. Will they back a candidate from their region, or will they opt for a candidate with a strong vision for the continent's future? One thing is certain – the next AUC chairperson will have a significant impact on the continent's development trajectory, and the election outcome will be closely watched by stakeholders across the globe.