Nigeria, Feb. 4 -- Africa's 2025 polls reveal a growing disjuncture between electoral activity and democratic performance, even as the African Union (AU) seeks to improve its election monitoring activities.

The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance mandates the AU Commission to monitor and report to the AU Assembly and Peace and Security Council (PSC) on the freedom, fairness and credibility of polls.

The commission can also call out abuses and encourage corrective action.

Last year, 14 countries held elections across very different governance contexts, accompanied by extensive AU observation, needs assessments and engagement before the polls. The AU recognises that electoral risk materialises well before voting - thro...