The Pan-African Parliament is set to elect new leadership following the conclusion of the mandate for the Sixth Bureau. Pictured is outgoing PAP President Chief Fortune Charumbira.
Image: Pan-African Parliament
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) will on Thursday elect new leaders comprising one President and four Vice-Presidents for its Seventh Legislation after the term of office for the previous leadership expired in February 2026.
The PAP, which is the legislative organ of the African Union (AU), will convene its Extraordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature from 28 to 30 April 2026 in Midrand, South Africa.
The PAP Bureau comprises a President and four Vice-Presidents, representing the five regions of the African continent. It provides strategic direction and ensures the effective functioning of the institution and its organs, and is responsible for the overall management and administration of the PAP and its organs.
Jeffrey Onganga, PAP spokesperson, said that this Extraordinary Session is a result of the conclusion of the Sixth Bureau and is convened in accordance with Decisions 1288 (XLVI) and 1663 (XLVII) of the African Union Executive Council, as complemented by a subsequent decision adopted on March 27, 2026, and pursuant to Rule 29 of the PAP Rules of Procedure.
“The election process will be overseen by the H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, representing the Chairperson of the AU, and supported by a High-Level Group mandated to supervise the process, ensuring transparency, credibility, and adherence to African Union legal and institutional frameworks,” Onganga stated.
He added that the election of the Bureau will take place on April 30, 2026.
“The newly elected Bureau will serve a three-year term and will reflect the African Union’s principle of equitable, regular, and predictable regional rotation, with representation structured as follows: President (North Africa), First Vice-President (East Africa), Second Vice-President (West Africa), Third Vice-President (Central Africa), and Fourth Vice-President (Southern Africa),” Onganga said.
The Sixth Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament, whose term officially ended on February 28, 2026, was led by Chief Fortune Charumbira (President). It included 1st Vice President Dr Fatimetou Habib, 2nd Vice President Dr Ashebiri Gayo, 3rd Vice President Lúcia Maria Mendes Gonçalves dos Passos, and 4th Vice President Djidda Mamar Mahamat.
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