Mali’s transitional legislature has voted to repeal long-standing laws that governed political parties and opposition rights, in a move that further consolidates the authority of the transitional government.
The decision, made by the National Transitional Council (CNT), paves the way for a new legal framework to regulate political life during the ongoing transition.
The bill, initially adopted by the Council of Ministers on 30 April, received overwhelming support on Monday, with 130 votes in favour, two against, and no abstentions.
Chairman of the CNT’s Legal Affairs Committee, Souleymane Dé, explained to the press that the repeal strictly concerns the removal of outdated legislation regulating political parties and the status of the opposition. He emphasised that both legal texts – one more than two decades old and the other dating back 15 years – no longer reflect Mali’s evolving political reality.
He further clarified that the repeal does not equate to the dissolution of political parties, nor does it challenge Mali’s multi-party system or democratic principles.
The move follows a recent decision by Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goïta, to suspend all political party and association activities across the country, citing concerns for public order.
This temporary suspension was announced just days before a planned protest by the Collective of Political Parties for the Constitution – a coalition of over 100 political groups – who oppose the dissolution and call for a return to constitutional rule.
The group postponed their rally, originally set for 9 May, citing security concerns, including threats allegedly made by two CNT members via social media. In response, the collective has filed for an emergency legal challenge to overturn the presidential decree suspending their activities.
