The military rulers, led by Capt Ibrahim Traoré, have taken charge of the electoral process, eliminating the commission in an effort to assert control and limit foreign influence.
**Burkina Faso Junta Dissolves Electoral Commission, Centralizes Election Control**
**Burkina Faso Junta Dissolves Electoral Commission, Centralizes Election Control**
Burkina Faso's military government announces reforms to the electoral process, raising eyebrows over democratic implications.
In a significant political shift, Burkina Faso’s military regime has disbanded the country’s electoral commission, labeling it an inefficient use of resources. The transitional government, led by Capt Ibrahim Traoré, who rose to power through a coup in September 2022, aims to streamline electoral management by transferring these responsibilities to the interior ministry, according to state-run RTB TV.
Since Traoré’s ascendance, there has been a wave of reforms, which include postponing elections initially planned for last year. The junta has extended the transitional period until July 2029, thereby allowing Traoré to maintain authority and eligibility to run for the upcoming presidential elections. The Territorial Administration Minister, Emile Zerbo, characterized the electoral commission’s annual budget of approximately $870,000 as a burden, asserting that its dissolution will enhance national sovereignty over elections and curb foreign influence.
The military government has distanced itself from previous collaborations with former colonial power France, opting instead for ties with Russia amidst growing security issues, particularly in tackling Islamist insurgencies. Critics, including human rights organizations, have condemned the military's tactics, alleging increased violence against civilians while questioning the efficacy of military operations. Data from the BBC indicated that jihadist group JNIM reported more than 280 attacks in the first half of 2025, signifying a troubling escalation in violence from previous years.
The changes to the electoral framework have sparked concerns regarding the state of democracy in Burkina Faso, raising questions about the balancing act between maintaining national security and upholding citizens' rights and freedoms. The situation continues to evolve as the junta navigates both internal and external pressures.
Since Traoré’s ascendance, there has been a wave of reforms, which include postponing elections initially planned for last year. The junta has extended the transitional period until July 2029, thereby allowing Traoré to maintain authority and eligibility to run for the upcoming presidential elections. The Territorial Administration Minister, Emile Zerbo, characterized the electoral commission’s annual budget of approximately $870,000 as a burden, asserting that its dissolution will enhance national sovereignty over elections and curb foreign influence.
The military government has distanced itself from previous collaborations with former colonial power France, opting instead for ties with Russia amidst growing security issues, particularly in tackling Islamist insurgencies. Critics, including human rights organizations, have condemned the military's tactics, alleging increased violence against civilians while questioning the efficacy of military operations. Data from the BBC indicated that jihadist group JNIM reported more than 280 attacks in the first half of 2025, signifying a troubling escalation in violence from previous years.
The changes to the electoral framework have sparked concerns regarding the state of democracy in Burkina Faso, raising questions about the balancing act between maintaining national security and upholding citizens' rights and freedoms. The situation continues to evolve as the junta navigates both internal and external pressures.
