Bamako, Mali – (African Boulevard News) – Vote counting has begun in Mali after 8.4 million citizens were asked to vote on the military junta’s proposed new Constitution. On Sunday evening, June 18, polling stations closed, and officials began counting ballots. The military junta had hoped this referendum would provide a mandate for their transitional government.
The proposed Constitution seeks to reduce presidential terms to two five-year terms, including empowering regional governors to be appointed rather than elected and granting amnesty to those involved in the 2012 coup. The transitional government argues that the proposed Constitution will decentralize the government and limit the power of the presidency.
According to Reuters, the vote saw a low turnout of around 20%. Many opposition leaders had called for a boycott, saying the proposed Constitution would only serve the military junta’s interests. This referendum is seen as a crucial step towards the restoration of democracy in Mali after former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was overthrown in a military coup.
Mariam Diallo, a political analyst in Bamako, commented, “This vote is a significant step, but it’s just the beginning. The transitional government must secure the trust of Malians and implement the necessary reforms to ensure that democracy is genuinely restored.”
International observers have applauded the Malian people’s peaceful conduct during the referendum and the government’s efforts to include all stakeholders in the process. The United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union have also pledged their support to the transitional government in Mali.
While the military junta has argued that the proposed Constitution will reduce the power of the presidency, some opposition leaders have expressed concerns over the centralization of power in the transitional government. The proposed Constitution also includes changes to the judiciary, which could allow the transitional government to limit the independence of judges.
The Malian military junta has stressed the importance of a new Constitution to restore stability in the country after years of political instability. However, it remains to be seen whether the proposed Constitution will be accepted by the Malian people and whether the transitional government can successfully navigate the complex political landscape.
As the vote counting continues, all eyes are on Mali as the country strives to restore democracy and move towards a more stable future. The results of the referendum are expected within 72 hours.
