Burkina Faso military rulers scrap electoral commission, taking control of future polls

Original Article Published: July 17, 2025

Updated: August 7, 2025

The military rulers of Burkina Faso have decided to scrap the electoral commission, taking control of future polls and raising concerns about the country's democratic process. This move comes after a series of military coups and a growing trend of military involvement in the governance of Burkina Faso. The decision was made during a special session of the transitional parliament, with all seats occupied by soldiers.

The new electoral commission, made up entirely of military officials, will be responsible for organizing the upcoming presidential election, which is scheduled for early 2026. This has raised concerns among civil society organizations and the opposition party, which fears the election will not be fair and transparent. The military has stated that the election will be held as planned and that the new electoral commission will ensure a free and fair voting process.

The future of Burkina Faso's democracy remains uncertain, as the military's involvement in the electoral process poses a challenge to the country's transition back to democratic rule. Regional leaders and international organizations, including the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), have been urged to play a proactive role in ensuring that Burkina Faso's military respects the country's democratic institutions and respects the will of the people.