Authorities in Mali have announced that the much-delayed constitution referendum will now take place on June 18, 2023, in Ivory Coast.
“I’m very clear about my position. I’m going to vote, and I’m going to say yes. And I’m voting Yes. I’m from the north. I’m from Gao. Specifically, I’m 25 km from Gao. All my relatives who are there are deceased. Their cattle were stolen, and they were killed. Intruders entered their homes and murdered them. However, when the military arrived, I believe the situation improved somewhat… So, in my opinion, I support the military,” stated Illiassou Mohamed Touré, a native of Gao.
Approximately 200,000 to 300,000 Malians residing in Ivory Coast will participate in the voting process. The Malian diaspora in Ivory Coast comprises 3 million individuals, making it the largest diaspora community in the country.
“Amadou Toumani Touré assumed power in a coup d’état in 1991, and the 1992 Constitution was proposed and adopted by a president who emerged from a coup d’état. Therefore, to claim that Assimi lacks legitimacy in proposing a constitution is disingenuous, I would argue and does not reflect the reality of Mali,” expressed Aboubacrine Traoré, Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Malians Diaspora in Ivory Coast.
The new constitution marks a significant milestone in the government’s plans to restore civilian rule after the removal of former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August 2020.
Elections are scheduled for February 2024 to establish a civilian government in Bamako.