Mali is currently facing a delicate situation regarding the organization of its next presidential election. The transitional authorities recently announced the postponement of this election, initially scheduled for February 2024, without specifying a new date. This decision raised many questions and expectations from electoral observers and the Malian population.
The Election Observation Mission in Mali (Modele Mali), made up of around thirty civil society organizations, particularly echoes these concerns. During the quarterly review of its activities, she called on the authorities to quickly set a new date for the presidential election.
This uncertainty around the holding of the presidential election worries observers so much. Indeed, time passes and the political transition in Mali continues. March 2024 would already mark three and a half years of this transitional situation. According to Ibrahima Sangho, head of the Election Observation Mission in Mali, it is essential to put an end to this transition to return to a normal constitutional order.
The announcement of the postponement of the election was initially justified by technical reasons, such as the need to revise the electoral law following the adoption of a new Constitution last July. The modifications made to it, in particular with regard to the duration of the interval between the two rounds, require adjustments at the legislative level. In addition, the updating of the electoral register is also cited as a reason for this postponement.
However, according to Ibrahima Sangho, all the conditions seem to be in place to organize the presidential election quickly. It would be enough to modify article 152 of the electoral law during a session of the National Transitional Council to allow the vote to be held. Indeed, the Independent Electoral Management Authority is already in place, the electoral register is ready, and the electoral cards have been printed.
The Malian Electoral Observation Mission also recommends initiating a dialogue with the different political parties in order to reach a consensus on a possible extension of the transition. Such a decision should be taken in the common interest and with the participation of all relevant political actors.
The situation in Mali will also be discussed at the next ECOWAS summit to be held in Abuja. This regional organization has not yet officially reacted to the postponement of the Malian presidential election, but it is likely that discussions on this subject will take place during this meeting.
In conclusion, the political situation in Mali raises many questions regarding the organization of the presidential election. The expectations of observers and the population are high, and it is crucial that the transitional authorities quickly set a new date for the vote. This would bring an end to this prolonged transition period and ensure a return to normal constitutional order in the country.