Burkina Faso’s military rulers have officially dissolved the country's electoral commission, describing it as an unnecessary and costly institution. The announcement was made via state-run RTB television, with authorities confirming that the Ministry of Interior will now oversee the electoral process.

This move marks yet another significant reform introduced by the junta since it seized power in September 2022.

Initially, a national election was scheduled for 2024 to facilitate a return to civilian governance. However, the military government postponed the polls, extending the transition period until July 2029. This extension allows Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the current military ruler, to remain in office—and makes him eligible to contest the next presidential election.

Speaking on the development, Minister of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo, revealed that the electoral commission cost the government about $870,000 (approximately £650,000) annually. He argued that scrapping it would help "reinforce our sovereign control of the electoral process" while minimizing foreign interference.

Mounting Security and Human Rights Concerns

Since taking power, the junta has cut diplomatic ties with France, Burkina Faso’s former colonial power, and has increasingly aligned with Russia in its fight against jihadist insurgents. Despite these shifts, security conditions have deteriorated.

The jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has reportedly executed over 280 attacks in the first half of 2025 alone, more than double the incidents recorded in the same period in 2024, according to data verified by the BBC.

Additionally, human rights organizations have raised alarms about alleged military abuses, including civilian massacres and the suppression of political freedoms and press activities.

Broader Implications

The dissolution of the electoral commission has sparked fears of further democratic backsliding in Burkina Faso, amid rising concerns that the junta is consolidating power and sidelining civil institutions.

Observers warn that these developments could prolong instability in the country, already plagued by insecurity, governance challenges, and increasing human rights violations.