Mass rallies took place in Mali’s capital city, Bamako, on Friday as tens of thousands of Malians gathered ahead of a pivotal constitutional referendum slated for Sunday.
The military government, headed by Assimi Goita, is championing a ‘Yes’ vote for the newly drafted secular constitution. However, adversaries of the bill are fervently against the secular state proposition.
Cheick Salla Haïdara, spokesperson for the Movement in Support of Limama Against Secularism, stated, “Even those who adhere to traditional religions have rights in this country. We solely requested the removal of secularism from education, enabling everyone to study their religion. Regrettably, our appeals fell on deaf ears. Limama thus implores all Malians to vote ‘No’ in the constitutional referendum on June 18, 2023.”
One female participant in the rally, Djeneb Sidibé, a ‘No’ supporter, asserted that adopting Islam as the state religion would not breed hostility. “We’ve coexisted with Christians for ages and even share festival meals. We wouldn’t do that if we harboured animosity,” she commented.
The proposed constitution is an element of an array of reforms initiated by the military junta, ostensibly to justify postponing the transition to civilian governance until 2024. Among other changes, it enhances the role of the president, bestows prominence on the armed forces, national sovereignty, and anti-corruption efforts. Moreover, it acknowledges traditional authorities and languages, while establishing a Senate.
Proponents of the changes claim that they will bolster political institutions, whilst critics argue that this would unduly concentrate power in the hands of the president.
Regional organisations and the United Nations perceive the referendum as a critical gauge of the military junta’s commitment to democratic transition, especially against the backdrop of escalating attacks by Islamist militants.
“With this proposal, we are staking the future of our state, the restoration of its authority, and the rekindling of trust between institutions and citizens,” proclaimed interim President Assimi Goita during a televised address on Friday. He donned his characteristic beret and military uniform, adding, “Now is the time to affirm our dedication to the new Mali.”
The draft encompasses amendments that have been proposed in previous unsuccessful endeavours to alter the constitution. Advocates hope these changes will fortify democracy and bridge divisions, including the institution of a second parliamentary chamber to enhance representation.
Furthermore, the proposal to establish an independent court of auditors for state expenditure would align Mali with a directive from the West African Economic and Monetary Union dating back to 2000.
However, certain opposition factions, pro-democracy movements, and campaigners advocating a ‘No’ vote contend that non-democratically elected bodies, such as the military junta, should not have the authority to orchestrate such an extensive constitutional revision.
Fousseini Ag Yehia, a lawyer in Bamako, expressed reservations: “I support a revision of the constitution but not this referendum. The legitimacy of the actors, the process…I believe we could have fared better.”
Preliminary results are anticipated within 72 hours post-vote. Presidential elections are scheduled for February 2024.
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