Coup leaders in Mali have announced that a transitional president will be chosen, drawn from either the civilian population or the military.
Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was taken out of presidential position in a coup on Tuesday.
West African leaders are calling for his reinstatement and the UN has called for the release of officials.
But the coup leaders say they are in contact with the political opposition and other groups to try to set the transition in place.
They say elections will be conducted in what they describe as a reasonable time and have also promised to respect international agreements on fighting jihadists.
In the early parts of Thursday, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) said it would send envoys to ensure the return of constitutional order.
There is an increased military presence outside government ministries in the capital, Bamako, but shops and businesses have been open.
Source; BBC