18 March 2026
ERC Africa Statement on ACHPR Resolution 655 (LXXXVI) (2026) – Internet Shutdowns and Presidential Term Limits
In the face of escalating electoral disputes across the continent and the entrenchment of authoritarian practices, ERC Africa welcomes the adoption of Resolution 655 (LXXXVI) 2026 by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights on 9 March 2026 regarding elections in Africa.
The adoption of Resolution 655 (LXXXVI) 2026 marks an important reaffirmation of fundamental democratic principles across the continent, particularly the ACHPR’s clear call on States to “cease all interruption of telecommunications services, shutting down or throttling of the internet” during electoral periods, allowing opposition parties to participate freely and fully in electoral processes in accordance with human rights standards and lastly for States to uphold Constitutional provisions and electoral laws on Presidential terms limits.
This directive is both timely and necessary in light of the conduct of recent elections in Tanzania (October, 2025) and Uganda (January, 2026), where internet shutdowns were deployed as a tool to stifle electoral participation. These measures had been widely condemned by election observers, as it fundamentally compromises the credibility of elections.
Equally, the ACHPR’s resolution emphasising adherence to constitutional term limits for Presidents is directly relevant to ongoing debates in Zimbabwe, particularly in relation to the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026 which seeks to extend the term of office of the President and other elected officials by an additional two years. In this context, ACHPR Resolution 655 calls on States to ensure that Constitutional provisions and electoral laws on Presidential terms are respected.
Resolution 655 should not be viewed as a mere guidance. Rather, it constitutes a normative benchmark against which State conduct must be assessed.
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Link to the Resolution
ABOUT ELECTION RESOURCE CENTRE AFRICA
The ERC Africa is a think tank and advocacy organisation on electoral and democracy issues in Africa, established in 2010. The organisation was formed following the need to deepen electoral research work in Africa that would inform effective citizen participation, strengthen policy engagement towards the improvement of the quality of electoral and democratic practices.
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