As the West African nation of Mali stands on the cusp of an epoch-making referendum, it is imperative for observers, both domestic and international, to be acquainted with the significance and implications of this political event. Slated for 18th June, the Mali referendum is a landmark stepping stone towards the elections promised for February 2024. It is a democratic exercise in which the citizens of Mali are bestowed with the responsibility of either embracing or rejecting the proposed new constitution.
Mali Referendum Timeline
Early voting for members of Mali’s security forces took place on 11th June, wherein soldiers in Bamako, the capital city, cast their votes. Chaka Sangaré, Commander of the French Air Force and Chairman of polling station No. 1, reported that the voting process was smooth and efficient.
The Referendum: The What and Why
The heart of this referendum is the draft constitution, which, if passed, would considerably bolster the powers of the President. Under the proposed draft, the President would have the prerogative to appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister, Ministers, and even dissolve the parliament. The document characterises Mali as an “independent, sovereign, unitary, indivisible, democratic, secular and social republic.” However, the insertion of the term ‘secular’ has been a bone of contention, especially amongst the Imams, who wield significant clout in this Sahelian nation.
The referendum beckons voters to respond with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question, “Do you approve of the draft constitution?” as stated by Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, the government spokesman.
A Controversial Path
This is not Mali’s first tryst with the prospect of constitutional change. A referendum intended for 2017 did not materialise, and the current referendum is the first national vote since the coup in 2020. This coup, which culminated in the toppling of elected President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, paved the way for military rule. The junta, led by the military, currently enjoys popular support as per an opinion poll conducted by Germany’s Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung foundation in February.
Armed movements advocating for the independence of northern Mali have voiced concerns that the draft constitution does not take into account the provisions of the 2015 peace agreement.
Regional and International Implications
Mali, embroiled in strife with extremist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State since 2013, witnessed the withdrawal of French and European forces in 2021 after the junta solicited assistance from Russia’s Wagner Group.
The African Union has expressed optimism regarding the referendum. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, commended the efforts made by the Malian transitional authorities, including the establishment of an Independent Electoral Body. He urged all stakeholders, including political and religious figures, to collaboratively work towards building a democratic and robust state.
The Road Ahead
The referendum is a decisive juncture in Mali’s convoluted political landscape. It not only lays the groundwork for the forthcoming elections but also shapes the very fabric of governance in the country. Mali’s citizenry, regional players, and the international community eagerly await the outcome, as it will indubitably influence the trajectory of peace, stability, and governance in the region.
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