Malian transition leaders postponed sine die next year presidential elections

Mali’s Government in power since May 2021 following a second coup announced Monday September 25 the delay sine die the scheduled February 2024 presidential elections, citing a number of reasons including issues related to the review of the electoral lists.
Government spokesman Col. Abdoulaye Maiga announced the move noting that the elections “will be slightly postponed for technical reasons”. He also indicated that financial difficulties for review of voter lists are behind the decision.
Malians adopted on June 18 overwhelmingly a new Constitution, which, according to a presidential decree, aims to strengthen the powers of the President. It also gives pride of place to the Armed forces and emphasizes the “sovereignty” of the nation.
The new Constitution also grants amnesty to those behind previous coups, reform the oversight of public finances and force deputies and senators to declare their assets in an effort to curb corruption, as well as relegate French, currently the official language, to the status of a “working language.”
Per the new law, the country should hold two presidential rounds set for Feb. 4 and 18, 2024. The country has been under economic sanctions since 2021 following the seizure of power by a junta led by Vice President Assimi Goita against interim President Bah N’daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane.
The regional organization, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) slapped a wide range of sanctions against the Goita-led country and agreed to lift the sanctions after the Government held presidential elections by February 2024.