Mali Junta Delays Elections, with No Date in Sight

The military council currently governing Mali has announced a fresh delay in the country's upcoming presidential elections, citing technical issues and disputes with a French company as reasons for the postponement.

Originally scheduled for February 2024, these elections were anticipated to mark the end of Mali's transitional phase initiated after the 2020 coup.

Colonel Abdoulaye Maïga, the government spokesperson, disclosed in a statement to reporters in Bamako that the elections, previously set for February 4 and 18, 2024, have been delayed due to "technical reasons."

The military authorities further clarified that among these "technical reasons" was the delay in the approval of a new constitution in 2023 and the revision of the electoral list.

Additionally, a dispute with the French company "Idemia," as claimed by Malian authorities, regarding its involvement in the census process contributed to the election's postponement.

The Malian government's statement did not specify a new date for the presidential elections, with Colonel Maïga promising to provide further details in a subsequent announcement.