No winner has emerged for the 2016 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African leadership, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF) has said.
The prize is supposed to be awarded each year to an elected leader who governed well, raised living standards and then left office.
But for the second year running, the Ibrahim Prize has not been awarded, the independent Prize Committee chairman, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim has said.
‘‘As I emphasise each year, a very high bar was deliberately set when the Prize was launched in 2006. We recognise and applaud the important contributions that many African leaders have made to change their countries for the better.
‘‘But the Prize is intended to highlight and celebrate truly exceptional leadership, which is uncommon by its very definition. After careful consideration, the Committee has decided not to award the Prize in 2016," Dr Salim said.
Since the $5m prize was launched it has been awarded four times. The previous Laureates are:
The candidates for the Ibrahim Prize are chosen based on the following criteria:
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The prize money is spread over 10 years, with an additional $200,000 a year for life.
Nelson Mandela was the inaugural Honorary Laureate in 2007.