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

The military rulers of Burkina Faso have disbanded the country's electoral commission, effectively taking control of future elections. The authorities claimed that the commission was a waste of money and unnecessary. This move comes as the junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, is set to remain in power for the next four years. The decision to scrap the electoral commission has raised concerns about the integrity and fairness of future elections in the country. Critics argue that this decision undermines democratic processes and concentrates power in the hands of the military junta. Burkina Faso has been grappling with a severe security crisis, with a growing insurgency by Islamist militants. The military takeover in 2022 was prompted by the government's perceived failure to address the security situation. However, the scrapping of the electoral commission raises questions about the junta's commitment to a return to democratic rule.