Mali announces June 18 for referendum on new constitution

Malians will vote on Sunday to approve or reject constitutional amendments that would reinforce presidential powers ahead of a promised transition from military rule back to democracy in the West African nation.

The referendum is the first in a series of scheduled polls that are meant to pave the way to presidential elections in February 2024, which Mali’s military leaders have committed to hold following pressure from regional powers.

The junta delayed the referendum for three months citing logistical problems.

Sunday’s vote is seen as an indicator of the junta’s commitment and capacity to organise voting in a country where militant’s militias have overrun swathes of its arid north and centre.

Frustrations over spiralling insecurity spurred two military takeovers in 2020 and 2021, but the junta has been unable to tamp down the insurgency or improve livelihoods in one of the world’s poorest countries.

No clear consensus has emerged ahead of Sunday’s vote.

Reuters/Hauwa M.