In Mali, political factions are urging the junta to set a timeline for presidential elections, following its failure to conduct polls within the 24 months initially promised for transitioning back to civilian rule. Mali has been under military governance since a coup in August 2020, sparking the beginning of multiple coups across West and Central Africa. Despite commitments to a democratic transition, the interim governments have shown reluctance.
The current junta, which came to power in a second coup in 2021, had vowed to return to civilian rule within two years, starting from March 2022, with a planned election date in February 2024. However, after passing a new electoral law in June 2022, the junta postponed these elections due to “technical reasons,” inciting anger among political groups. This discontent was exacerbated when the transition deadline passed last month without any elections.
Several of Mali’s major political and civil society organizations have collectively demanded the prompt establishment of an electoral framework. This call to action, supported by over 20 entities including key opposition groups and the party of the deposed president, underscores a widespread desire for the restoration of normal constitutional governance. The military government’s previous breach of promise to hold elections in February 2022 led to severe sanctions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), affecting Mali’s international relationships. Chad, similarly governed by a junta, is now preparing for presidential elections, aiming to be the first in the region to achieve a transition back to constitutional rule.