Burkina Faso Military Government Dissolves Electoral Commission, Cites Cost Concerns

Authorities in Burkina Faso under the leadership of military ruler Ibrahim Traoré have dissolved the country’s Independent Electoral Commission, citing high costs associated with its operations.

Going forward, the Ministry of Territorial Administration will take over the management of electoral processes.

According to international news agency AFP, Minister Emile Zerbo said the electoral body was receiving an annual budget of $870,000 an equivalent of approximately K1.5 billion Malawi Kwacha to operate.

Zerbo explained that dissolving the commission is part of the government’s plan to promote self-governance and reduce dependence on foreign aid.