The Facts
Mali's military government on Monday announced it would postpone a planned presidential election, intended to restore democracy in the conflict-torn country, originally scheduled for February.
In a statement, the junta said the voting "will be slightly postponed for technical reasons," including problems related to the adoption of a new constitution this year.
The Spin
Narrative A
The announcement is the most recent testimony to the autocratic nature of the so-called transitional government. That this is the second time Bamako has postponed presidential elections makes it clear that the supposed "technical issues" are merely a pretext to prevent Mali's transition to democracy. Since there are no valid reasons for postponing the elections, renewed sanctions by ECOWAS are an option to bring the military junta to its senses.
Narrative B
Criticism of Mali's government ignores an important lesson of recent years — that "democracy" has failed to deliver on its promise of development and peace. Recent African coups could only succeed because people are desperate and prefer military rule to a democratic façade. Moreover, countries like Saudi Arabia, courted by the West, show that democracy is no prerequisite for creating prosperity and stability. For the people, results matter more than the form of government.
