Burkina Faso's military regime has announced the disbandment of the country's electoral commission, marking a significant shift in the electoral landscape.
Burkina Faso Junta Dismantles Electoral Commission, Assumes Control of Elections
Burkina Faso Junta Dismantles Electoral Commission, Assumes Control of Elections
Military leaders in Burkina Faso take decisive action to control future polls, eliminating the electoral commission.
In a bold move, the military rulers of Burkina Faso have declared the dissolution of the national electoral commission, citing it as an unnecessary financial burden. As reported by state-run RTB TV, the country's interior ministry will now oversee all future elections. This decision follows a series of sweeping reforms initiated after the military coup in September 2022, which included delaying the return to civilian governance and extending the transitional period until July 2029.
Territorial Administration Minister Emile Zerbo stated that the electoral commission, which received an annual subsidy of approximately $870,000 (£650,000), was deemed a waste of resources. He suggested that its abolition would "reinforce our sovereign control over the electoral process" while reducing external influences.
Since assuming power three years ago, Capt Ibrahim Traoré and the military junta have faced criticism for their heavy-handed approach to combatting a persistent Islamist insurgency. They have notably rejected assistance from France, the former colonial power, and instead sought ties with Russia. Nevertheless, human rights organizations have expressed concern over the military's tactics, which they claim have included targeting civilians and suppressing political dissent, leading to questions about freedom of expression within the country.
Recent data reveals a troubling trend, with the jihadist group JNIM reportedly conducting over twice as many attacks in the first half of 2025 compared to the same timeframe in 2024, raising serious doubts about the military's effectiveness in restoring security.
As the situation continues to evolve, the future of Burkina Faso's democracy remains uncertain amid military rule and increasing violence from militant groups.
For ongoing updates, follow BBC Africa for more comprehensive coverage of the events unfolding across the continent.
Territorial Administration Minister Emile Zerbo stated that the electoral commission, which received an annual subsidy of approximately $870,000 (£650,000), was deemed a waste of resources. He suggested that its abolition would "reinforce our sovereign control over the electoral process" while reducing external influences.
Since assuming power three years ago, Capt Ibrahim Traoré and the military junta have faced criticism for their heavy-handed approach to combatting a persistent Islamist insurgency. They have notably rejected assistance from France, the former colonial power, and instead sought ties with Russia. Nevertheless, human rights organizations have expressed concern over the military's tactics, which they claim have included targeting civilians and suppressing political dissent, leading to questions about freedom of expression within the country.
Recent data reveals a troubling trend, with the jihadist group JNIM reportedly conducting over twice as many attacks in the first half of 2025 compared to the same timeframe in 2024, raising serious doubts about the military's effectiveness in restoring security.
As the situation continues to evolve, the future of Burkina Faso's democracy remains uncertain amid military rule and increasing violence from militant groups.
For ongoing updates, follow BBC Africa for more comprehensive coverage of the events unfolding across the continent.
