video duration 27 minutes and 50 seconds
Mali’s military rulers are proposing changes to its constitution that would strengthen the powers of the president.
It is a vote to approve or reject Mali’s constitutional reforms.
Supporters say the amendments will facilitate the transition from military rule to a civilian-led government.
The June 18 referendum is the first in a series of scheduled polls aimed at paving the way for a presidential election in February 2024 that Mali’s military leaders have promised to hold under pressure from regional powers.
But skepticism is growing.
After years of coups, political instability and social unrest, mistrust of authority remains a fundamental problem.
So is the referendum about actual change or just political drama?
Given the political and social tensions in this West African country, are democratic elections a viable future?
host: Mohammad Jamjom
Guests:
Fatima Al Ansar – Adviser for Peace and Security in Mali and the Sahel
Alex Vines – Director of the Africa Program at Chatham House
Marie-Roger Biloa – President of Africa International Media Group and political commentator on African affairs
