Mali - July 2023

The referendum on a new constitution that had originally been planned for March was held in July. The official results indicated that 97 per cent supported the ratification of the new constitution, with 38 per cent of registered voters participating. Turnout was hampered in some parts of the country by insecurity, and opposition parties claimed that the vote was irreparably marred by irregularities. The new constitution includes many of the fundamental rights that have become standard parts of constitutions across the continent in recent decades as well as some new protections against corruption and a new upper chamber. It also gives more prominence to local languages by demoting French. However, the constitution moves Mali from a semi-presidential to a presidential system, making the government responsible to the president rather than the legislature. The president will be limited to being re-elected only once. The first presidential election under this new constitution is scheduled for February 2024.

Sources: British Broadcasting Corporation, AfricaNews, France24, Radio France Internationale