In Mauritania, the military junta and representatives of the opposition appear to have reached an agreement that will create a transitional regime. The text of the agreement in French is available here. It was due to be signed on Wednesday, but this was put off until Thursday.

A crucial part of the agreement is that the presidential election, which was scheduled for this weekend, will now be delayed until 18 July with a second ballot scheduled, if need be, for 1 August.

Another key element is the establishment of a Transitional Government of National Union, which is due to take effect on 6 June. It will be a power-sharing government with the supporters of the leader of the junta, M. Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz, securing 50% of the posts and representatives of the two main opposition groups, the National Front for the Defence of Democracy (FNDD) and the Rally of Democratic Forces (RFD) securing the other 50% between them. The prime minister will come from M. Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz’s group, while the Ministers of Interior, Finance, and Communication will come from the opposition. The agreement also states that M. Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz will not act as president during the interim, but that this position will be assumed by the President of the Senate.

An Independent National Electoral Commission will also be constituted with representation from the three groups.

There is some talk of a national dialogue that will address certain issues that relate to the constitution. However, there is no mention of a new constitution being drafted. Indeed, the agreement talks about restoring the constitutional order and about matters being conducted within the realm of the constitution and existing laws. In other words, it looks even more likely that Mauritania will return to semi-presidentialism very soon.