Malian officials announced on Wednesday that around 38% of eligible voters participated in the recent referendum with the referendum results due Friday on a new constitution introduced by the incumbent junta.
Moustapha Cisse, head of the electoral authority, confirmed the turnout figures, noting that nearly all polling station results had been tallied. However, he did not indicate whether the electorate supported the constitutional amendments.
The referendum, held on Sunday, marks a deferred move towards re-establishing civilian rule in the insurgency-plagued West African nation. Originally planned for March, the referendum was delayed as the country grappled with persistent jihadist insurgencies.
Mali has been under military governance since a coup in August 2020, led by Colonel Assimi Goita, 40. Goita, often referred to as the nation’s strongman leader, has committed to transitioning the country back to civilian rule by 2024.
Final referendum results are due to be announced by Friday, in accordance with the legally imposed deadline, confirmed Cisse.
Roughly 8.4 million Malians were eligible to vote on the proposed constitution, which has sparked speculation that Goita may seek election. However, either political disputes or security issues impeded voting in some central and northern areas.
The newly proposed constitution will augment the power of the president, who will be granted the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet members. Contrary to the provisions of the current 1992 constitution, the government will be accountable to the president instead of the parliament.
The proposed amendments have incited significant opposition, including from former rebels, imams, and political adversaries. Despite this, observers anticipate a “yes” vote to be the likely outcome.
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