Mali adopts new junta-proposed constitution, a month after referendum

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Jul 2023 11:40
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According to Mali’s Constitutional Council, the constitution proposed by the country's military junta received 96.91% of the votes.

A voter casts his ballot as polls open in Mali's referendum in Bamako on June 18, 2023 (AFP)

A month after Malian took to polls to participate in a referendum to vote on a new drafting constitution, Mali’s Constitutional Council confirmed on Friday the adoption of a new constitution, rejecting all complaints about violations in the process.

According to the Council, the constitution proposed by the country's military junta received 96.91% of the votes in the referendum that was held on June 18, with the voter turnout reaching 38%.

Opponents argue that the new constitution is intended to maintain the military authorities in power beyond the February presidential election.

The constitution would establish a two-chamber legislative system, with a Senate added to the previously existing National Assembly. It would also give the Malian president additional legislative power.

The current constitution, dating from 1992, states that "the government determines and conducts the policy of the nation." In the new constitution, the government “conducts the policy of the nation determined by the president."

Last month, Mali's temporary President Colonel Assimi Goita stated that the suggested constitution would "provide for a better-organized executive power while maintaining the necessary balance with the legislative power," adding that it is "(paving) the way for a new Mali."

"I am convinced this referendum will pave the way for a new Mali, a strong Mali, an efficient Mali, a Mali in the service of the well-being of its population," Goita stated back then.

It is noteworthy that since 2012, Mali has been battling an insurgency that has since spread to Burkina Faso and Niger, killing and displacing thousands of people.

The UN Security Council last month voted to end a decade-old UN force mission in Mali after the ruling junta demanded the withdrawal of foreign forces.