(Ecofin Agency) - The Malian citizens were given the opportunity on June 18 to cast their votes either in favor or against the proposed new constitution by the transitional government. According to an electoral observation mission, the turnout is 28%, but the Election Management Authority says it is 10 percent higher.  

The turnout rate for Mali’s referendum on the new constitution is 38%, according to the Independent Election Management Authority (AIGE).

The provisional figures include turnout both at home and abroad. Although the results are still awaited, this turnout rate, which does not yet take into account early voting by security forces, is already 10 points higher than the 28% announced by the Electoral Observation Mission.

Marked by a major security crisis fuelled by terrorist groups carrying out attacks against the army and civilians, Mali has long been divided between areas controlled by the government, those controlled by armed groups seeking self-governance, and terrorist organizations. Despite the many operations launched by the government since Colonel Assimi Goïta assumed the position of head of the country, part of Mali's vast territory is still out of the government’s control. 

Several organizations opposed to the referendum say it was marred by numerous irregularities that render it invalid. "We found that there were many places where people were unable to vote, and there was massive fraud. For example, in regions like the north and Mopti, where people have been displaced, there is hardly anyone yet, we have videos showing people voting for others. Over and above all that, during the advance poll for the military, there was no electoral roll, no voters’ list. People were just coming to vote as they please,”  Youssouf Daba Diawara, a member of rising opposition figure Imam Mahmoud Dicko’s CMAS told French radio RFI.  The CMAS, which is part of the United Front against the Referendum had campaigned against the adoption of this new constitution. 

Also, the armed groups that signed the 2015 peace agreement declared no poll was organized in areas under their control, notably in Kidal.  These groups prevented the organization of such a poll arguing that it took not much consideration of the peace agreement they signed. However, on June 19, the AIGE said that the poll was held in Kidal.  

Between 2020 and 2021, Mali experienced two coups, with Colonel Assimi Goïta finally ending up as President of the transition and promising to improve the country's security situation. Amid a tug-of-war with the international community, due to its ties with Russia, the transitional government wants to organize elections by February 2024. 

The draft constitution is a new divisive subject and many observers fear its forced adoption would lead to new conflicts in a country that is trying hard to remain united to find long-sought peace and prosperity.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou