A couple stories to watch:

In Nigeria, elections in the southeastern Anambra state, were marred by allegations of fraud and claims of disenfranchisement.  The concern is what this might signal for next year’s Presidential election. Fortunately, the election itself was largely peaceful… this time.

Meanwhile, in Cote d’Ivoire, many are claiming they are being disenfranchised from upcoming presidential elections.

These are two of the most important countries in West Africa. The region as a whole could prosper were greater political stability to come to these two countries.  What happens in the 16 months in those two countries may set the political trajectory for the region for the next five to ten years.