The Malian military government has announced the postponement of the upcoming presidential election, originally slated for February 2024, citing “technical reasons”.
The delay, announced by government spokesperson Abdoulaye Maiga, has raised eyebrows and stirred speculations in the conflict-ridden West African nation, as Malians had some hope for the return of civilian leadership to the country.
The “technical reasons” cited for the postponement include issues tied to the adoption of a new constitution earlier this year, along with a thorough review of the electoral lists.
Additionally, Maiga pointed to a contentious dispute with the French company Idemia, which the government claims is entangled in the critical census process.
The announcement did not include a concrete rescheduling date for the election, which was set to take place in two rounds on February 4 and 18.
The decision to delay the election has brought into question the military leadership’s commitment to the transition back to civilian rule.
Previously, Mali’s military leaders had pledged to hold the election in February, bowing to pressure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This concession led to the regional bloc lifting a set of trade and financial sanctions imposed on the country in July of the preceding year.
Those sanctions, originally imposed in January 2022, were a response to the military government’s contemplation of an extended stay in power, potentially up to five years.
Malians also participated in a constitutional referendum that had been postponed for several months on June 18.The vote introduced a new constitution, which critics argue bestows significant powers upon the head of state.
However, the government insists that the new constitution paves the way for the much-anticipated elections and a return to civilian rule.