Malian Voters Approve New Constitution with 97% of the Vote
Provisional official results issued by the electoral authority reveal that Malians have approved the draft new Constitution with an overwhelming 97% of the vote. The referendum was conducted by the junta led by Assimi Goïta. The “no” vote accounted for only 3% of the total, according to the provisional results released on Friday, June 23. The voter turnout for the ballot, which took place on Sunday, June 18, was reported to be 39.40%.
However, the ballot was not without its share of incidents and irregularities. Observers and opponents of the reform have reported various issues that marred the voting process. Critics of the project argue that it is designed to allow the military to retain power beyond the upcoming presidential election in February 2024, despite their initial commitment to a civilian-led government.
The draft Constitution aims to strengthen the powers of the president and prioritize the armed forces. It also emphasizes “sovereignty,” which has been a key focus for the junta since its rise to power and its shift away from France towards Russia. The vote faced challenges in many central and northern localities, where fear of jihadist attacks and political disagreements hindered participation.
The approval of the new Constitution is seen as a crucial step in the junta’s efforts to address the multifaceted crisis in Mali, including the spread of jihadism. The military views the Constitution as a cornerstone for the refoundation of the country.
These provisional results indicate a significant level of support for the draft Constitution among Malians. However, further analysis and verification of the results will be necessary before they can be considered final.
What concerns have critics raised about the newly-approved Constitution in Mali?
Breaking News: Malian Voters Overwhelmingly Approve New Constitution
In an exceptional show of support, Malians have voted in favor of the draft new Constitution, with a staggering 97% majority. Provisional official results released by the electoral authority affirm this resounding victory for change. Led by Assimi Goïta, the junta conducted the referendum, marking a significant milestone for the nation.
Although the “no” vote only accounted for 3% of the total, the voting process was not free from incidents and irregularities. Critics of the reform have voiced concerns about the military’s potential extended influence beyond the upcoming presidential election in 2024. They argue that the proposed Constitution favors the armed forces and could compromise the pursuit of a civilian-led government.
The newly-approved Constitution seeks to empower the president while prioritizing the military. It carries the strong message of “sovereignty,” reflecting the junta’s strategic shift away from France towards Russia. However, the voting process faced challenges in central and northern regions, where fears of jihadist attacks and political disputes hampered participation.
The approval of the new Constitution represents a crucial step towards resolving Mali’s complex crisis, including the pressing issue of jihadist expansion. The military views it as the cornerstone for rebuilding the nation.
While the provisional results indicate overwhelming support for the draft Constitution among Malians, further analysis and verification are necessary before they can be considered final. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.
