Mali’s military government has postponed the February presidential election due to technical reasons, including the adoption of a new constitution in a June 18 referendum. The two rounds of voting, initially scheduled for February 4 and 18, will be slightly postponed due to these technical issues. The government spokesman, Abdoulaye Maiga, cited issues related to the adoption of a new constitution and a review of electoral lists. He also mentioned a dispute with French company Idemia, which is involved in the census process.
The military leaders committed to holding the election in February following pressure from the Economic Community of West African States, which lifted trade and financial sanctions on Mali in July last year. The new constitution introduced in the referendum, which opponents claim grants the head of state sweeping powers, will pave the way for elections and a return to civilian rule.