The presidential election in Mali has once again been postponed. The ruling junta announced on Monday a change in the calendar for the poll initially scheduled for February 2024. This new postponement raises questions about the return of civilians to the head of the country, which is caught in a deep multidimensional crisis.
The initial dates, set for February 4 and 18, 2024 for the two rounds, will be postponed for technical reasons, according to the Malian government spokesperson. Among these technical reasons, mention is made of the adoption of a new constitution in 2023 and the revision of the electoral lists. In addition, a dispute with a French company involved in the census process was also mentioned.
As a result of this postponement, the legislative elections which were scheduled for the end of 2023 are also postponed to an indefinite date. The government decides to exclusively organize the presidential election to end the Transition, and the other elections will be subject to a new calendar established by the new authorities.
This new postponement adds to the delays already accumulated by the junta in power since the coups of 2020 and 2021. Initially, the military had committed to giving way to elected civilians after planned presidential and legislative elections. in February 2022. However, these commitments were not respected, and the junta had considered remaining in power for several more years in order to carry out the necessary reforms.
The decision to postpone the presidential election has raised concerns about the country’s stability and security. Indeed, Mali is faced with increasing violence in certain regions, the resumption of hostilities on the part of separatist groups and jihadist activity. Additionally, the junta has made controversial political and military decisions, including sidelining the French anti-jihadist force and turning toward Russia.
Despite the junta’s announcements on the search for a return to a peaceful and secure constitutional order after political reforms, it is important that the electoral process takes place as quickly as possible in order to guarantee the legitimacy of power and to promote stability of the country.
In conclusion, the postponement of the presidential election in Mali raises questions about the real desire of the ruling junta to give way to civilians and respect the commitments made. It is essential that the Malian authorities take the necessary measures to quickly organize transparent and credible elections, in order to allow the country to emerge from the political crisis and focus on the social, economic and security challenges it faces.