Mali's transitional leadership continues moving toward a larger unity government, although no date for its establishment has been set.

Thursday marks the final day for candidates to submit applications for posts in the new government, including that of a newly created commissioner charged with overseeing the situation in the north.

Islamist militants with ties to al-Qaida's northern Africa branch seized northern Mali in April.

Applicants are expected from a wide range of political parties and civil society organizations. A special review commission, formed under the interim prime minister, oversees the application process.

It is unclear whether any ministers from the current transitional government will remain in their post. However, members of the military junta that staged a coup in March are expected to retain their posts. They currently head the defense, security, and interior ministries.

Western and regional states are concerned about the stability of a transitional government due to infighting and alleged meddling by the former military regime.