The Burkina Faso government has taken steps to dissolve the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI), an institution that has overseen elections for more than two decades.
During a Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, officials approved a bill to dismantle the electoral body, citing cost-cutting measures and broader government reforms. State Minister Émile Zerbo stated that the decision aligns with the transitional government’s efforts to streamline state operations and reduce expenses.
Election Management to Return to Ministry
Under the proposed changes, election oversight will revert to the Ministry of Territorial Administration, the system in place before CENI’s establishment in 1998. The government has criticized the commission as financially burdensome and inconsistent with the current transition charter.
CENI was originally formed through a political compromise to ensure impartial election management, with 15 commissioners representing political parties and civil society. However, the transitional legislative assembly must still approve the dissolution bill for it to take effect.
Transition Period Extended Until 2029
This move comes as Burkina Faso’s transitional government, which took power following a 2022 coup, has extended its rule until 2029. Authorities argue that the prolonged transition is necessary to restore national sovereignty and stability amid ongoing security challenges linked to jihadist insurgencies.
Critics, however, fear the dissolution of CENI could centralize electoral control under the executive branch, raising concerns about transparency in future elections. The government has yet to announce alternative measures to ensure fair electoral processes once the commission is dissolved.
As debates over the bill begin in the transitional assembly, the future of Burkina Faso’s electoral framework remains uncertain.
