In a transitional step towards civilian rule, Mali’s security and defense forces have cast their votes in early voting ahead of the referendum on the new constitution, to be held on 18th June.
This announcement about the constitution was made last May by the government spokesman, Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, who read out a decree on state television stating that the country was to vote on the constitution in June.
During the announcement, the spokesman said that voters would have to give a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer if they approved the draft constitution, which is seen as the first stage in the plans put forward by the army to justify its continued rule until 2024.
Elections are scheduled for February 2024 to re-establish civilian rule in Mali, as promised by the government, which has already announced that 2024 remains the electoral “deadline”.