Multiple political coalitions and civic groups in Mali have united in their call for presidential elections to be conducted promptly, aiming to restore democratic governance in the West African nation.
The Network of Human Rights Defenders in Mali (RDDHM), consisting of approximately fifty local organizations, along with a coalition of political parties comprising more than 20 signatories, have issued separate statements emphasizing the urgency of holding elections.
The current transitional government, established after a second coup in 2021, had initially committed to a 24-month transition period ending on March 26, 2024, with elections scheduled for February.
However, the military leaders, citing technical reasons such as the implementation of a new constitution, updating election lists, and challenges with a census database, announced a slight delay in the voting process.
In response, Mali’s major political parties and civic groups have urged the military rulers to establish an institutional framework and promptly organize presidential elections to overcome the impasse and address the nation’s significant challenges.
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RDDHM emphasized that the transition period has not been intended to resolve all of the country’s problems, and with the expiration of the last postponement on March 26, it is crucial to bring an end to the current situation.
In the face of a rather ambiguous situation, it has been stated by the political group, which includes the party of the ousted ex-president, that if no action is taken, they will resort to seeking support from all legal and legitimate channels in the second phase.
Mali has witnessed consecutive coups in 2020 and 2021, both orchestrated by Colonel Assimi Goita, who currently serves as the interim president.
The second coup, which took place in May 2021, resulted in the removal of the interim civilian leaders who had been appointed after the initial coup.
These military actions have strained the relationship between France and Bamako, as the coup leaders have demanded the withdrawal of French troops from the country, citing their inability to effectively combat a decade-long jihadist insurgency in the Sahel region.
