Mali: the first trends after the first round of legislative elections

Vote counting in a polling station in Bamako after the first round of the legislative elections. March 29, 2020. MICHELE CATTANI / AFP

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Operations to centralize the results of the first round of the legislative elections are continuing at the Malian Ministry of Administration. According to the first figures that fall, we voted much less in Bamako than in the interior of the country. Another lesson: a second round will take place in more than 70% of electoral districts.

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From our correspondent in Bamako, Serge Daniel

According to the first trends , the participation rate in Bamako is rather low: around 10%. But, we voted more inside Mali, where for the moment and before the total end of the operation centralizing the results, the participation rate is higher than 34%. In some localities, we now know with precision that jihadists spoiled what was intended to be an election party. On polling day, for example, they took election materials to the center and laid mines in the north that killed at least nine civilians.

No second round in Niafunké, stronghold of Soumaïla Cissé?

Another lesson from the first round of legislative elections: in almost 80% of localities, a second round is needed to decide between the candidates. On the other hand, if the trends are confirmed, there may well be no second round in northern municipalities like Bourem, Kidal or even Nianfunké, stronghold of Soumaïla Cissé, leader of the opposition kidnapped by alleged jihadists . In addition to his party, the URD, the presidential party, the RMP, his ally, Adema and even Asma, the formation of the former Prime Minister, Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga will be present in the second round in many electoral districts.

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  • Mali
  • Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta

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