By John Ikani
Mali’s ruling junta has declared that the country will hold a referendum on a new constitution on June 18, marking the first significant move in their plans to continue governing until 2024.
The military took over after the ousting of former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August 2020.
The country missed the previous deadline of March 19 for the referendum, but the government spokesman, Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, read out a decree on state television, calling on the people to “decide on the Constitution project” in June.
To take part in the voting process, members of the security forces in the conflict-ridden nation will cast their votes on June 11.
In the referendum, voters will answer a single question: “Do you approve of the draft constitution?”
The draft would confer significant power on the president, who would now have the right to appoint the prime minister and ministers, determine the nation’s policy, and terminate their functions, rather than the government.
The Sahel state has been grappling with a security crisis since the emergence of jihadist and separatist insurgencies in the north in 2012.
The vote will set the stage for elections in February 2024, which will see the restoration of a civilian government in Bamako.
