Malians go to the polls for referendum on constitutional change
The people of Mali went to the polls for a referendum on constitutional amendments to enable general elections to be held in February 2024. While opposition leaders are calling for a "no" vote, some political parties believe that the military transition government, which came to power in a coup, is not qualified to amend the constitution.
Mali is holding a referendum on constitutional amendments. People went to the polls in the referendum and voted for constitutional amendments to enable general elections to be held in February 2024 for the transition to civilian rule.
Mali's transitional President Assimi Goita said on state television that the proposed draft constitution would improve the functioning of the executive, Anadolu reported.
Imam Mahmoud Dicko, an opposition leader, called for a "No" vote in the referendum.
Some political parties also argue that the military transition government, which came to power in a coup in 2020, lacks the qualifications and legitimacy to amend the constitution.
The constitutional amendment, which will increase the powers of the president, aims to create a senate-like structure called the "Supreme National Council".
According to the new amendment, the president will determine the country's policies instead of the government, and the president will appoint the prime minister and ministers. The president will also have the power to dissolve the National Assembly.
It was previously announced that the referendum would be held on March 19, but the vote was postponed for technical reasons.
Source: Anadolu Agency
