07/31/2013
Following almost two years of political turmoil, a record number of voters in Mali came out July 28 to elect a new president and return the West African nation to constitutional order.
Some polling stations reported voter turnout as high as 65 percent, compared to 40 percent in previous elections. There were 27 candidates contending for the presidency and vote counting is still under way. The Malian Constitutional Court has until Friday to announce the official results and it is still too early to determine if a second round will be needed.
International observers report that voters were enthusiastic and despite some technical problems the process came off well.
The United States congratulates the people of Mali for their keen participation in the first round of voting. We commend the interim government for its commitment to holding transparent, inclusive elections. Though domestic and foreign observers witnessed minor technical difficulties, voting took place peacefully throughout the country.
We encourage transparency and patience as votes are counted and results are announced. We urge all candidates to resolve any disputes through the appropriate legal mechanisms. This election represents an important step in Mali’s return to democratic rule and allows for progress toward much needed national reconciliation. Our country remains a committed partner as Mali takes further steps toward long-term peace, stability and development.
- Technology Report
- Health Report
- Education Report
- Economics Report
- Arts & Culture
- Ask a Teacher
- Words And Their Stories
- AS IT IS
- Everyday Grammar
- This is America
- Science in the News
- In the News
- American Stories
- Trending Today
- U.S. History
- America's National Parks
- America's Presidents
- Agriculture Report
- Explorations
- People in America
Mali Election A Hopeful Sign
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Related Articles
- Obama, Democrats Stake Out Positions for Spending Battle (13/8/1)
- US, Afghans Stalled on Future Security (13/8/1)
- US 2nd Quarter GDP - Lackluster, But Better Than Expected (13/8/1)
- Rising Seas, Regulations Push Poor New Jersey Residents to Move Inland (13/7/30)
- Formal Mideast Peace Negotiations to Begin by Mid-August (13/7/30)
- US Senator McCain Mourns Vietnam War Buddy (13/7/31)
- Mozambique Poaching Has Regional Effects (13/7/31)
- Top 5 Songs for Week Ending August 3 (13/7/31)
- Signs Indicate Europe Economic Crisis May Be Ending (13/7/31)
- Discussion on US Domestic Surveillance Continues (13/7/31)