Mauritanian opposition parties have confirmed the need to form a consensus government before holding elections. Saleh Ould Hanani, a former military officer who led a failed coup attempt in 2003 and heads an opposition party, said “any future elections will require an independent government to avoid manipulation of state funds.” He hinted that the opposition has not withdrawn its main demand for the usurper regime to leave. The Independent Elections Supreme Body in Mauritania confirmed that it will go ahead with local and legislative elections which are scheduled next October. In response to a question regarding the possibility of postponing elections if the opposition rejected to participate, the chairman of the committee confirmed that the Election Commission is not concerned with the participation or non-participation of any party.