Bamako, Mali – (African Boulevard News) – Mali’s ruling junta has urged the country to remain united, regardless of the results of the referendum, as voters decide on the new constitution. The country is holding a referendum that will determine whether or not to adopt the new constitution that has been drawn up by the transitional government. The referendum will also pave the way for parliamentary and presidential elections, which are slated to take place next year.
The military junta, which came to power last August after a coup that ousted former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, has been tasked with overseeing the transition to a civilian government. The junta has come under heavy criticism for its handling of the transition, and for failing to address the country’s mounting security and economic problems.
In a bid to win the support of Malians, Colonel Assimi Goita, the leader of the ruling junta, has called on the country to remain united regardless of the outcome of the referendum. “I call on everyone to fulfill their civic duty, to remain calm and united, and to respect the outcome of the referendum,” Goita said in a statement.
The new constitution, which was drafted by a committee of experts appointed by the transitional government, includes provisions that aim to strengthen democratic institutions, promote good governance, and protect human rights. The constitution also seeks to decentralize power, giving local governments greater autonomy, and to improve the representation of women and minorities in parliament.
Despite the government’s efforts to promote the new constitution, the referendum has been met with some opposition from various political groups and civil society organizations. Some critics have argued that the constitution was drafted without sufficient public consultation, and that it does not go far enough in addressing the country’s security and economic challenges.
The results of the referendum are expected to be announced in the coming days. If the new constitution is adopted, parliamentary and presidential elections will be held next year, marking an important step towards a return to civilian rule and the restoration of democracy in Mali.
As Malians head to the polls to decide the future of their country, it remains to be seen whether the ruling junta’s call for unity will be heeded. But one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the outcome of the referendum could have far-reaching consequences for Mali and its people.
