Malians on Sunday began voting in a presidential election amid concerns of ethnic and militant related violence in parts of the country.
The incumbent President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita is seeking a second term. He is facing his biggest challenge from Soumaila Cisse, a former finance minister.
Cisse is the biggest opposition leader in the West African nation. Over 12 other candidates are also contesting the presidency.
Eight million voters are expected to cast their ballot. Voting began at most polling stations at 0800 GMT and polls close at 6 p.m local time.
There are fears the threat of violence could impact negatively on turnout.
In the north and other parts of the country there were doubts whether an election could take place.
#Security high as #Mali elects a #president @CDDWestAfrica @africanews https://t.co/49kFMTZFHM pic.twitter.com/OwRuiorErE
— Alfa Ibn Fati al-Wenger (@AlfaAllahguide) July 29, 2018
Thousands of Malians last month demonstrated against their President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
The President while speaking to journalists on Tuesday defended his governance record.
He also branded the series of ethnic and jihadist related attacks as “pockets of violence and remnants of terrorism”.
“There’s no more war-mongering in Mali today,” Keita said.
Le Président de la République Chef de l’Etat SEM Ibrahim Boubacar Keita #IBK et son épouse @AminataMKeita se sont acquittés de leur devoir de citoyen en votant ce 29 Juillet 2018 dans la matinée au centre AB de l’école fondamentale de sébénicoro pic.twitter.com/kCWSSnR14m
— Presidence Mali (@PresidenceMali) July 29, 2018
Mali has experienced a lot of jihadist violence and ethnic attacks over the years with little progress in stopping them.
She had just voted, born 1961, she is confident her vote will count. Ecole Ambidedi Poste, Kayes region.#MaliDecides2018 #Mali2018 @HassanIdayat @inecnigeria #MaliElections @ProfOsinbajo pic.twitter.com/7OIhM9UOQq
— CDD West Africa (@CDDWestAfrica) July 29, 2018
The violence appeared to have been a major challenge to the elections, but Malians were brave enough to come out on Sunday.
Source: Africafeeds.com
