POLITICAL parties in Mali have intensified their calls for a defined timeline for presidential elections as the ruling junta continues to falter in its commitment to organise polls within the promised 24-month transition period back to democracy. This demand underscores growing frustration among citizens and stakeholders over the prolonged military rule in the country.
‘Time is of the essence in restoring democratic governance in Mali. The lack of clarity regarding the electoral timeline undermines the credibility of the transition process,’ stated a spokesperson for one of Mali’s prominent political parties.
Since August 2020, Mali has been under military control, marking the onset of a series of coups across West and Central Africa, with neighbouring countries like Burkina Faso and Niger also experiencing political instability. Despite efforts by regional blocs to facilitate transitions, interim governments in Mali have been sluggish in their progress towards restoring civilian rule.
‘The delay in holding elections raises concerns about the commitment of the ruling junta to respect the will of the people and return Mali to democratic governance,’ emphasised a representative of a civil society group advocating for democratic reforms.
The current junta, which seized power in a second coup in 2021, initially pledged to facilitate a return to civilian governance within 24 months, setting a start date of March 26, 2024, with elections slated for February. However, the failure to meet the February election deadline due to purported technical reasons has sparked widespread outrage among political groups.
‘We demand transparency and accountability from the authorities in fulfilling their obligations to organise free and fair elections. Any further delay undermines the democratic aspirations of the Malian people,’ asserted a coalition of opposition parties in a joint statement.
Despite mounting pressure, the junta has yet to respond to these demands, further exacerbating concerns over the democratic transition process in Mali. The military rulers had previously faced sanctions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for failing to uphold their initial promise of holding elections in February 2022.
‘The international community must exert pressure on the junta to adhere to the agreed-upon timeline for elections and ensure a peaceful transition of power,’ urged a spokesperson for a regional diplomatic mission.
The delay in Mali’s transition has also strained relations with former colonial power France, which withdrew its forces in 2022 that were engaged in combating a long-standing Islamist insurgency in the region. However, ECOWAS eventually lifted sanctions following the enactment of a new electoral law, indicating a willingness to support Mali’s path towards democracy.
Meanwhile, in a contrasting development, Chad, led by a junta, is preparing to hold the first round of presidential elections next month, potentially becoming the first military government in the region to restore constitutional rule.
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