By HAN News Desk
OUAGADOUGOU — Burkina Faso’s parliament has officially dissolved the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling the body a “waste of money” and criticizing it for allegedly serving foreign interests.
Under the new arrangement, the Ministry of Territorial Administration, which is responsible for the organization and management of the country’s national territory, will take over the planning and execution of future elections. The government has said this move will streamline electoral processes and reduce unnecessary spending.
President Ibrahim Traoré, who leads Burkina Faso’s military-led government, described the INEC as a tool for “peddling foreign influence,” emphasizing that the decision aligns with the country’s recent efforts to assert sovereignty and reduce dependence on external powers.
The dissolution of the Electoral Commission is part of a broader trend by Burkina Faso’s government to distance itself from foreign involvement in national affairs. Since seizing power, the military-led administration has taken steps to cut ties with international partners and institutions, asserting greater control over domestic governance.
Political analysts say the move could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s democratic institutions. By transferring responsibility for elections to a government ministry, critics argue there may be risks to electoral independence and transparency, raising concerns among civil society groups and opposition figures.
The government, however, maintains that its approach will ensure more efficient and secure elections, while also protecting national sovereignty in a region facing ongoing political instability and security challenges.
Observers are closely watching how these changes will affect Burkina Faso’s political landscape and relations with international partners, particularly as the country continues to navigate both domestic unrest and regional security threats.
