Burkina Faso's Military Regime Dissolves Electoral Commission, Takes Control of Future Elections

Fri Jul 18 2025 07:06:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Burkina Faso's Military Regime Dissolves Electoral Commission, Takes Control of Future Elections

Burkina Faso’s military government disbands its electoral body, shifting election oversight to the interior ministry as democracy becomes tenuous.


The coup leaders, under Capt Ibrahim Traoré, assert control over the electoral process, a move criticized amid rising jihadist violence and curtailments on political freedoms.

In a controversial decision, Burkina Faso's military authorities have dissolved the national electoral commission, labeling it a financial burden as reported by state-run RTB TV. From now on, the interior ministry will manage elections, a significant alteration in the governance of the electoral process. Capt Ibrahim Traoré, who assumed power in September 2022 following a coup, continues to make broad reforms, postponing national elections intended to restore civilian rule until July 2029.

Territorial Administration Minister Emile Zerbo said the electoral commission cost the country around $870,000 (£650,000) each year, framing this change as a reinforcement of "sovereign control" over elections and a move to limit foreign influences. Since taking power, Traoré's junta has rejected French support, in favor of ties with Russia, amid criticism regarding their efforts to combat a burgeoning Islamist insurgency.

As the military escalates its campaign against jihadist groups like JNIM, rights organizations have reported increased incidents of civilian assaults by armed forces and broad restrictions on political expression. Notably, recent data reveals jihadist violence has surged, with over 280 attacks recorded in Burkina Faso during the first half of 2025 – doubled from the previous year, raising concerns over the military strategy's effectiveness.

This shift away from an independent electoral commission highlights deeper challenges in Burkina Faso, where the intersection of security, governance, and civil liberties remains increasingly fraught under military rule.

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