Mali

Mali’s politics are currently defined by the ruling military junta, which came to power through coups in 2020 and 2021, and its subsequent consolidation of power, including dissolving political parties and suspending opposition figures in May 2025. While the country recently adopted a new presidential constitution in 2023, political stability remains fragile due to ongoing security threats from Islamist militants and rebels, and the junta’s defiance of international pressure to return to democratic rule.

Population

Men-Women Ratio

Women Representation

Overview

Upcoming Elections

General Elections

Postponed

The upcoming elections in Mali, originally scheduled for February 2024, have been postponed by the transitional authorities due to technical and security concerns, with no new date officially announced. The delay is linked to the need for reforms, including updating the electoral roll and ensuring that the security situation allows for free and fair voting. Although the transitional government has allocated funds for election preparations, the precise timeline for presidential and legislative elections remains uncertain, and authorities continue to emphasize institutional and constitutional adjustments before any vote can take place.

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Participation Metrics

Key Electoral Institutions

Political parties and the National Assembly

Political parties and the National Assembly are crucial to the functioning of Mauritania’s electoral system, even though they are not direct management bodies. Political parties mobilize citizens, nominate candidates, and monitor elections through agents and observers. The National Assembly contributes by debating and enacting electoral laws, shaping the legal framework within which CENI and other institutions operate. Together, they provide democratic oversight and ensure political pluralism in the electoral environment.

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Constitutional Council

They serve as the highest judicial authority on electoral and constitutional matters in Mauritania. It validates and proclaims final election results, particularly for presidential and parliamentary elections, and confirms the eligibility of presidential candidates. The Council also adjudicates electoral disputes, ensuring that elections comply with the constitution and legal framework. Its rulings are final and binding, giving it a central role in safeguarding the integrity and legitimacy of electoral outcomes.

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Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI)

This is Mauritania’s principal body responsible for organizing and supervising all elections, including presidential, parliamentary, regional, and municipal polls. It operates as an autonomous institution mandated to ensure transparency, neutrality, and fairness in the electoral process. CENI oversees voter registration, monitors campaign conduct, manages the logistics of voting and counting, and announces provisional results. Its members are appointed through political consensus, typically representing both ruling and opposition parties, to reinforce public confidence and political balance.

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Direction Générale des Élections (DGE)

The DGE is the main new electoral management body in Guinea, created by decree in 2025. It is responsible for organising elections (both elections and referendums), maintaining and managing the electoral register, and guaranteeing aspects of electoral fairness. The DGE also represents Guinea in regional and international electoral organisations.

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Judiciary (Election Petitions)

The High Court of The Gambia hears election petitions. (Election Petition Rules 1976 govern the process.)

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Electoral Laws & Policies

Accredited Election Monitoring Organizations

Action Justice (ONG)

Observatoire de la Solidarité et de la Cohésion Sociale (OSCS)

Gambia Press Union (GPU)

CSO Coalition on Elections

Gambia Participates (GP)

GNDEM (Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors)

Forum des Organisations Nationales des Droits Humains (FONADH)

International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)

Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)

Recent Election Publication

News & Updates

Election Result Platform

How To Monitor Elections In

Mali