Burkina Faso’s military government has officially disbanded the country’s independent electoral commission, calling it a waste of money. According to state broadcaster RTB TV, the Ministry of the Interior will now be responsible for organizing future elections.

Territorial Administration Minister Emile Zerbo said the electoral body had been receiving an annual subsidy of around $870,000, which he claimed was unnecessary. He added that the decision was aimed at strengthening national control over the electoral process and reducing foreign influence.

The move comes nearly three years after the military, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, seized power in a 2022 coup. Since then, the junta has introduced major reforms, including postponing elections that were supposed to restore civilian rule. A nationwide vote originally scheduled for last year has now been delayed until July 2029, allowing Traoré to remain in power and potentially run for president.

Burkina Faso’s military leaders came to power amid rising frustration over the civilian government’s failure to contain Islamist violence. Since then, they have cut ties with France and aligned more closely with Russia.

However, insecurity in the country has worsened. According to BBC-verified data, jihadist group JNIM carried out over 280 attacks in the first half of 2025—twice the number recorded during the same period in 2024.

Human rights groups have also raised concerns about the military government’s increasing crackdown on political activity, media freedom, and alleged abuses against civilians during counter-insurgency operations.