The government of Burkina Faso has taken a major step toward restructuring its electoral system by approving a bill to dissolve the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). The decision was made during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers meeting and is part of broader institutional reforms aimed at streamlining governance and reducing expenses.
Minister of State Emile Zerbo announced that election management responsibilities would revert to the Ministry of Territorial Administration, as was the case prior to CENI’s creation in 1998. The move is framed as a return to a more cost effective model, with officials describing CENI as “budget consuming” and incompatible with the current Transition Charter.
CENI was originally established through a political compromise to ensure impartial election oversight. Under the 2001 law, it consists of 15 commissioners representing political parties and civil society groups. Its potential dissolution now hinges on approval from the Transitional Legislative Assembly.
Burkina Faso’s transitional government, which aims to restore national sovereignty and rebuild state institutions, has extended its mandate until 2029 following national consultations. The proposed electoral reform is seen as part of this long-term restructuring effort.
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