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Electoral Framework

Legal Framework Boundary Delimitation Electoral Systems

Electoral Participation

Parties and Candidates Disability and Elections Media and Elections Civic and Voter Education Direct Democracy

Electoral Management

Electoral Management Cost of Elections Capacity Development

Electoral Integrity

Electoral Integrity Campaign Finance Measuring Electoral Quality Election Observation Electoral Assistance

Electoral Operations

Voter Registration Voting Operations Voter Identifications Results Management Elections and Technology Elections and Security
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Mauritania Mauritania

Boundary Delimitation

BD001

Delimitation of constituencies
Question:Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer: b. No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: Each district (moughataa) forms one electoral constituency. There is an exception for the capital district of Nouakchott which has three (3) electoral districts according to the three states, with each district being granted seven (7) seats. The changes to the capital were agreed upon in reforms passed in 2022. In addition, the whole country forms one constituency for the election of 20 deputies and 20 female deputies.
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 029 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-028 of 7 October 1991, as amended, concerning the organic law on the election of deputies to the National Assembly, art. 17, 3 Results of the consultation between the Ministry of Interior and Decentralization and political parties on the participatory and consensual preparation for the 2023 parliamentary, regional and municipal elections
Verified: 2024/10/28
BD003

Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question:On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s): d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: Each district (moughataa) forms one electoral constituency, except for the capital district of Nouakchott which has three (3) electoral districts according to the three states, with each district being granted seven (7) seats. The consultations on the new boundary for the capital district specified the new boundaires being created to "in order to better connect the representatives to their voters". In addition, the whole country forms one constituency for the election of 20 deputies and 20 female deputies.
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 029 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-028 of 7 October 1991, as amended, concerning the organic law on the election of deputies to the National Assembly, art. 17, 3 Results of the consultation between the Ministry of Interior and Decentralization and political parties on the participatory and consensual preparation for the 2023 parliamentary, regional and municipal elections
Verified: 2024/10/28
BD005

Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question:The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s): a. Legislature (1st chamber)
b. Legislature (2nd chamber)
Comments:
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 029 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-028 of 7 October 1991, as amended, concerning the organic law on the election of deputies to the National Assembly, art. 17, 3
Verified: 2024/10/28

Electoral Systems

ES001

Head of State
Question:How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s): c. Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 23, 26: www.mauritania.mr (2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28
ES002

Head of Government
Question:How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer: e. Appointed
Comments: The President appoints the Prime Minister.
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 30: www.mauritania.mr (2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28
ES003

President
Question:Does the country have a president?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 23: www.mauritania.mr (2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28
ES004

Number of Chambers
Question:The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer: b. Two chambers
Comments: The Parliament is composed of two representative assemblies: the National Assembly and the Senate.
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 46: www.mauritania.mr (2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28
ES005

Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question:What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s): e. Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies)
Comments: One representative in districts with 31 000 inhabitants or less. Two representatives in districts with more than 31 000 inhabitants. Three representatives in districts with 90 000 inhabitants or more. Four representatives in districts with more than 120 000 inhabitants. Eighteen representatives from Nouakchott. Twenty representatives from a nationwide list. Twenty representatives from a nationwide list reserved for women. Absolute majority in districts electing one or two representatives. Proportional representation (closed list PR) in districts electing more than two representatives. (In constituencies with more than two seats, party-list proportional representation system in one round is used. In electoral constituencies with two seats, an absolute majority of the votes cast is required. If absolute majority is not achieved, there is a second round. The list which obtains the majority of votes obtains both seats. In electoral constituencies with one seat, the seat is allocated to the candidate who obtains an absolute majority of votes cast. If no candidate has received an absolute majority of the votes cast on the first round, there shall be a second round two weeks later. In the second round a simple majority is sufficient. In constituencies with more than two seats, a closed List PR is used.) Code Electoral, Édition 2013 http://www.ceni.mr/IMG/pdf/code_electoral_2013_francais._version_def.pdf Article 23 (nouveau) : Dans les circonscriptions électorales ayant un seul siège à pourvoir, les députes sont élus au scrutin uninominal majoritaire à deux tours. Dans les circonscriptions électorales ayant deux sièges à pourvoir, les députés sont élus au scrutin de liste majoritaire à deux tours. Dans les circonscriptions électorales ayant plus de deux sièges, les députés sont élus au scrutin de liste à la représentation proportionnelle à un tour. Dans tous les cas, il n’est pas admis de liste incomplète. L’électeur doit choisir librement une liste sans vote préférentiel, ni panachage
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 029 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-028 of 7 October 1991, as amended, concerning the organic law on the election of deputies to the National Assembly, art. 24, 25
Verified: 2024/10/28

Legislative Framework

LF001

Status of Electoral Law
Question:What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s): b. Separate legislation
d. Regulations or administrative rules
Comments: In 2022, changes were made to the electoral law that impacted electoral boundaries, voting, and regulations of political parties. These changes were made through an agreement between the Ministry of the Interior and Decentralization and all political parties registered in Mauritania.
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 029 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-028 of 7 October 1991, as amended, concerning the organic law on the election of deputies to the National Assembly; Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Organic Law No. 2012 - 028 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-027 of 7 October 1991, as amended, relating to the election of the President of the Republic; Organic Law No. 2012 - 030 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-029 of 7 October 1991 on the organic law on the election of senators; Organic Law No. 2012 - 031 amending certain provisions of the Organic Law n ° 94-011 of 15 February 1994 concerning the election of senators representing Mauritanians living abroad; Organic Law No. 2012 - 032 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 87-289 of 20 October 1987 repealing and replacing Ordinance No. 86-134 of 13 August 1986; Organic Law No. 2012 - 033 amending certain provisions of the Organic Law n ° 2009-022 of 2 April 2009 laying down special provisions relating to voting of Mauritanians living abroad; Organic Law No. 2012 - 034 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 2006-029 of 22 August 2006 concerning the organic law on the promotion of women's access to electoral mandates and electoral functions; repealing and replacing Ordinance No. 86-134 of 13 August 1986; Organic Law No. 2012 - 033 amending certain provisions of the Organic Law n ° 2009-022 of 2 April 2009 laying down special provisions relating to voting of Mauritanians living abroad; Organic Law No. 2012 - 034 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 2006-029 of 22 August 2006 concerning the organic law on the promotion of women's access to electoral mandates and electoral functions; Results of the consultation between the Ministry of Interior and Decentralization and political parties on the participatory and consensual preparation for the 2023 parliamentary, regional and municipal elections
Verified: 2024/10/28
LF003

Electoral Law covers
Question:The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s): a. National elections
Comments:
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 029 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-028 of 7 October 1991, as amended, concerning the organic law on the election of deputies to the National Assembly; Organic Law No. 2012 - 030 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-029 of 7 October 1991 on the organic law on the election of senators;
Verified: 2024/10/28
LF004

Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question:Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s): a. Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 029 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-028 of 7 October 1991, as amended, concerning the organic law on the election of deputies to the National Assembly
Verified: 2024/10/28
LF007

Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question:What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s): b. EMB
Comments: The National Independent Electoral Commission
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, art. 22
Verified: 2024/10/28

Electoral Management

EM002

Responsibility of national EMB
Question:Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s): a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level
d. Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: Presidential elections, municipal elections, legislative elections and referenda.
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, art. 1 (2)
Verified: 2024/10/28
EM004

EMB budget determined by
Question:The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s): c. The legislature
Comments: The funds required for the operation of the Independent National Electoral Commission and its branches are included in the State Budget. On this basis, the Steering Committee approves the budget of INEC.
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, art. 21 (1, 2)
Verified: 2024/10/28
EM005

EMB expenditures controlled by
Question:The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s): e. Another organ within the national government
Comments: The Court of Auditors
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, art. 21 (4)
Verified: 2024/10/28
EM006

Term of EMB members
Question:The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer: b. For a specified number of years
Comments: 5 years
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, art. 6 (5)
Verified: 2024/10/28
EM012

Electoral Management model
Question:What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer: b. Independent
Comments: The Independent National Electoral Commission has legal personality and financial autonomy.
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, art. 1 (3)
Verified: 2024/10/28
EM013

Number of EMB members
Question:The EMB is composed of:
Answer: a. 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: 7 members
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, art. 6 (1)
Verified: 2024/10/28
EM014

Membership based on
Question:The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer: b. Expertise
Comments: The members of the Steering Committee of the Independent National Electoral Commission are of Mauritanian nationality. They are at least forty years old at the day of their appointment and are recognized for their competence, moral integrity, intellectual honesty, impartiality and experience.
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, art. 6 (4)
Verified: 2024/10/28
EM015


Question:The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s): d. Opposition
g. Political parties
Comments: Members proposed for appointment by the President of the Republic shall be chosen by consensus among individuals on a list of fourteen (14) members drawn from the proposals of the Majority and the Opposition and seven (7) members nominated by each political group.
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, art. 6 (2)
Verified: 2024/10/28

Voter Education

VE001

Information campaigns performed by
Question:Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s): a. National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Independent National Electoral Commission
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, art. 4 (2)
Verified: 2024/10/28
VE002

Frequency of voter education programs
Question:At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer: b. Election time only
Comments:
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, art. 4 (2)
Verified: 2024/10/28
VE003

National civic education
Question:Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s): b. Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, art. 4 (2)
Verified: 2024/10/28

Voter Registration

VR001

Voting age
Question:What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer: c. 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 3 (2): www.mauritania.mr (2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28
VR002

Other voting requirements
Question:Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s): a. Citizenship
b. Period of Residence
Comments: b) Voters must reside in a municipality for at least 6 months
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 3 (2): www.mauritania.mr (2012); ORDINANCE No. 87-289 October 20, 1987, art. 94, 98: http://www.ige.gov.mr/fr/pdf/ORDONNANCEN87-289.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28
VR004

Authority responsible for voter registration
Question:Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer: d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Independent National Electoral Commission
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 027 on the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, art. 3 (3)
Verified: 2024/10/28
VR008

Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question:Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: ORDINANCE No. 87-289 October 20, 1987, art. 98, 99: http://www.ige.gov.mr/fr/pdf/ORDONNANCEN87-289.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28

Parties and Candidates

PC001

Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question:What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s): d. No registration required
Comments: Applications are made ​​on behalf of legally recognized political parties. The nomination forms must be signed by the candidates themselves in the presence of the local representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission and includes: 1 - if necessary, the title given to the list; 2 - The names, ages and addresses of the candidates; 3 - The name of the representative agent.
Source: Organic Law No. 2012 - 029 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-028 of 7 October 1991, as amended, concerning the organic law on the election of deputies to the National Assembly, art. 22
Verified: 2024/10/28
PC003

Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question:What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s): a. Age
b. Citizenship
Comments: a) Candidates must be at least 25 years old to run for the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 47: www.mauritania.mr (2012); Ordinance No. 91-028 of 7 October 1991 on the organic law on the election of deputies to the National Assembly, as amended by Ordinance 91-041 of 8 December 1991, art. 5
Verified: 2024/10/28
PC008

Independent candidates
Question:Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s): e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: Every candidate running for the National Assembly must submit to the Public Treasury a deposit of 20,000 Mauritanian Ouguiyas (53.3 euro). This deposit will be refunded only to candidates or lists that obtained more than 5% of votes cast.
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 26, 47: www.mauritania.mr (2012); Organic Law No. 2012 - 029 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-028 of 7 October 1991, as amended, concerning the organic law on the election of deputies to the National Assembly, art. 22
Verified: 2024/10/28
PC012

Public funding of parties
Question:Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s): b. Direct
c. Indirect
Comments: Legally constituted political parties or groups of political parties are allocated public financial assistance which is included in the State Budget.
Source: Decree No. 91-141 of 13 November 1991 regulating the procedures for the conduct of the elections and specifying the organization of elections of deputies to the National Assembly, art. 15, 22; Act No. 2012-024 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-24 of 25 July 1991, as amended, relating to political parties, art. 20 (1): http://www.primature.gov.mr/fr/pdf/LoisapprouveesHAPAetPartisPolitiques.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28
PC015


Question:What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s): b. Based on result of previous election
Comments: The amount of the public funding is distributed as follows: - 40% is divided equally between the parties or blocs of political parties that obtained at least 1% of the votes cast at the national level in the first round of the most recent general municipal elections; - 60% is distributed to the parties or blocs of political parties in proportion to the votes obtained by each party or group of parties after the first round of the most recent general municipal elections. The 2022 agreement described increases to political party financing according to a procedure that will be consulted with the political parties later.
Source: Decree No. 91-141 of 13 November 1991 regulating the procedures for the conduct of the elections and specifying the organization of elections of deputies to the National Assembly, art. 15, 22; Act No. 2012-024 amending certain provisions of Ordinance No. 91-24 of 25 July 1991, as amended, relating to political parties, art. 20 (2): http://www.primature.gov.mr/fr/pdf/LoisapprouveesHAPAetPartisPolitiques.pdf (2012) Results of the consultation between the Ministry of Interior and Decentralization and political parties on the participatory and consensual preparation for the 2023 parliamentary, regional and municipal elections
Verified: 2024/10/28
PC017


Question:Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Ordinance No. 91-24 of 25 July 1991, as amended, relating to political parties
Verified: 2024/10/28

Vote Counting

VC004

Votes are sorted/counted at
Question:Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer: a. The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Decree No. 86-130 of 13 August 1986 regulating the procedures for the election campaign and voting process, art. 26
Verified: 2024/10/28
VC011

When are ballots recounted?
Question:Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s): g. No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2024/10/28

Media and Elections

ME037

Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question:What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s): b. Based on number of candidates put forward in present elections
Comments: Equal airtime on Radio and Television is available free of charge to every recognized political party. This time is allocated in proportion to the number of candidates.
Source: Decree No. 91-141 of 13 November 1991 regulating the procedures for the conduct of the elections and specifying the organization of elections of deputies to the National Assembly, art. 22
Verified: 2024/10/28
ME059

Television debates
Question:Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s): a. Yes, in presidential elections
Comments:
Source: Decree No. 91-141 of 13 November 1991 regulating the procedures for the conduct of the elections and specifying the organization of elections of deputies to the National Assembly, art. 22;
Verified: 2024/10/28
ME062

Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question:What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer: g. No information available
Comments: There are no specific legal provisions regulating this issue.
Source:
Verified: 2024/10/28
ME080


Question:Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer: c. No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2024/10/28

Direct Democracy

DD002

Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 2, 38, 78 (2), 85, 99, 100, 101: www.mauritania.mr (2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28
DD003

Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments: No cession, no exchange, and no annexation of territory is valid without the consent of the people who shall decide through referendum. Constitutional revisions must be approved by a simple majority of the votes cast in a referendum.
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 78 (2), 99, 100, 101: www.mauritania.mr (2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28
DD004

Optional referendums (national level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments: The President of the Republic may submit to a referendum any question of national importance.
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 38: www.mauritania.mr (2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28
DD005

Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015
Verified: 2024/10/28
DD006

Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015
Verified: 2024/10/28
DD007


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015: (2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28
DD129


Question:Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer: a. Always binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 38, 78 (2), 99, 100, 101:(2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28
DD130


Question:Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer: c. Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 38, 78 (2), 99, 100, 101:(2012)
Verified: 2024/10/28
DD131


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer: c. No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2024/10/28

Voting Operations

The data on this page is continuously updated. Additional, but potentially outdated material is available here.