July 6th, 2009 by Blake

A coup in 2005 led to Mauritania’s first elections in 2007, yet the political scene was marred by corruption leading to a coup last August, which usurped the country’s first democratically elected president, Sidi Mohamed Ould Sheikh Abdallahi. Mauritania will once again hold elections on July 18.  The poll was initially scheduled for June 6, yet a dispute between the military junta and political parties delayed the establishment of an interim government that will organize and administer the election.

In a thorough commentary at al-Ahram, Gamal Nkrumah warns that the results of the election (such as a civilian win) may prompt the military to again threaten Mauritania’s democracy.

If the military goes unpunished “for usurping power, that could embolden future adventurism” in a country that is strategically important, argues Nkrumah.  Al-Qaeda of the Islamic Maghreb last week targeted and killed an American aid worker in the capital, and its influence is considered to be on the rise.

Moreover, Nkrumah cites inter-tribal rivalries, conflicting agendas and corruption as obstacles that undermine democratic progress. Clan politics and discrimination have also curbed efforts to democratize Mauritania’s diverse populace. The Moors (light skinned Arabic speakers) dominate politics and the military, and are unwilling to relax their hold on power. Compounded with staggering poverty and illiteracy, this means that many Mauritanians are unable to fight for justice, let alone sustain a democracy. “When democracy has come to Mauritania, it has invariably been a poor match for high-pitched rhetoric,” he argues.

Posted in Elections, Mauritania, Military, Political Parties, Terrorism |