Mauritania Delays Elections to Strengthen Democracy

Elections scheduled for tomorrow in Mauritania have been postponed in order to form a transitional government and encourage broader participation.  The Daily Star reports that this agreement is the first step for Mauritania’s recognition by the international community after General Mohammad Ould Abdel-Aziz overturned the first democratically elected government in August 2008. Mauritania has been pressured by international actors to restore constitutional rule under fair elections, which will be scheduled under the interim government.