Political parties in Mali are demanding a clear timeline for presidential elections as the ruling junta has failed to organize the promised polls within a 24-month transition period back to democracy. Mali has been under military rule since August 2020, amidst a wave of coups in West and Central Africa.
The current junta in Mali took power in a second coup in 2021 and pledged to restore civilian rule within 24 months starting from March 2022, with elections scheduled for February. However, the junta postponed the elections in September last year, citing technical reasons, which sparked outrage among political groups.
After the transition deadline passed without a vote last month, several political parties and civil society groups issued a joint statement calling on authorities to establish an institutional framework for elections promptly. The statement, signed by over 20 entities, including a major opposition coalition and the ousted ex-president’s party, emphasized the need for a return to normal constitutional order in the country through legal and legitimate means.
The junta has not responded to these demands, raising concerns about the delay in the democratic process. The failure to hold elections as promised has strained relations with regional blocs and former colonial power France, which withdrew its forces from Mali in 2022. Despite the challenges, neighboring Chad is set to hold a presidential election next month, potentially becoming the first military government in the region to restore constitutional rule.
As the political situation in Mali remains uncertain, the international community is closely monitoring developments in the country.