Mali’s constitutional court on Monday confirmed the re-election of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to a second five-year term. The court said Keita received 67 percent of the Aug. 12 runoff vote, beating opposition leader Soumaila Cisse who received more than 32 percent. There was a 34 percent voter turnout, the constitutional court said, with more than 2.7 million Malians having voted despite threats by extremist groups. Constitutional Court President Manassa Danioko rejected motions filed by the opposition party last week against results. He said there is not enough evidence of fraud to nullify the results. Keita is to be inaugurated Sept. 4 for his second and final term.
“I am shocked by this decision,” said Zeidane Ag Sidalamine, spokesman for Cisse. “The court did not accept any of our requests. We are waiting for a copy of the court’s judgment to see what steps need to be taken.”
Cisse, who also faced Keita in a second round in 2013, said Friday he rejected the results and that he won the election. His party last week called on supporters to demonstrate. Cisse has blamed Keita for corruption and increased insecurity since he took office in 2013.
Full Article: Mali constitutional court upholds election results.
