Mali’s military government has decided to postpone the eagerly anticipated presidential election, originally slated for February 2024, citing “technical reasons.”
This postponement aims to grant the transitional government time to review election data and address a newly introduced constitutional provision that affects the second round of voting, as stated by government spokesperson Abdoulaye Maiga in Bamako, the capital city.
Maiga further clarified, “The transitional government intends to announce the new presidential election dates following consultations with the Independent Election Management Authority (AIGE).”
This marks the second delay of Mali’s presidential election by the military government, which came into power after two coups in 2020. This decision has drawn criticism from political figures within Mali and raises concerns about possible economic sanctions from West Africa’s regional bloc, ECOWAS, which had previously eased sanctions after receiving assurances of an election.
Amadou Koita, president of Mali’s Yeleen-Kura Socialist Party, expressed his dismay, saying, “Nothing justifies the postponement of the presidential election.”
Mali is grappling with security challenges, including attacks by armed groups affiliated with Al Qaeda, the Islamic State group, and former rebels whose peace deal with the government recently collapsed.
The wave of coups in Africa’s Sahel region began in Mali in August 2020 when soldiers led by Col. Assimi Goita ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, pledging to restore civilian rule within 18 months. However, Goita later assumed the role of president in a transitional government, leading to a prolonged transition process.
In June, Malian voters participated in a referendum on a new draft constitution, a step the regime claimed would pave the way for elections.
The delay in the presidential election adds to the uncertainty surrounding Mali’s return to civilian rule.
