Burkina Faso’s military government has dissolved the country’s Independent Electoral Commission, citing high operational costs and concerns over foreign interference.
The decision, announced by Territorial Administration Minister Emile Zerbo, means the Interior Ministry will now oversee future elections.
Zerbo explained that the electoral commission was receiving an annual budget of approximately $870,000, which the government believes can be better utilized.
Abolishing the commission, he argued, would “reinforce our sovereign control on the electoral process and at the same time limit foreign influences”.
This move is part of a broader set of reforms initiated by the military government since seizing power in September 2022.
The junta had initially promised to lead a short transition back to civilian rule but has instead postponed democratic elections, extending the transition period until July 2029.
This allows Captain Ibrahim Traoré to remain in power and potentially contest the next presidential election.
The dissolution of the electoral commission has raised concerns among international observers and democracy advocates.
Critics view this move as another step away from democratic governance, potentially undermining the credibility and transparency of future elections in Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso has been grappling with a growing Islamist insurgency, which prompted the military to seize power.
Despite rejecting assistance from former colonial power France in favor of Russia, rights groups have accused the army of targeting civilians and suppressing political activity and freedom of expression.
The effectiveness of the military operation has also been questioned, with jihadist group JNIM claiming over 280 attacks in the first half of 2025, double the number for the same period in 2024.
