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Officials in Mali say that more than 700 polling stations were unable to function during Sunday's presidential election due to attacks or threats of violence.
Authorities said Monday that the ballots were underway. polling stations – representing just over 3% of the total – because the violence forced the stations to remain closed.
The polling stations concerned are located in the central and northern regions of the country.
Security was a central issue during the election campaign in which President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita sought a second answer. term against 24 challengers.
The government said the vote across much of the country was peaceful and was done in an orderly manner. However, voters deprived of the right to vote could become a critical point for Mali if the result is close.
Keita's main challenger is Soumaila Cissé, former Minister of Finance and Economy, who lost to the president in the 2013 elections. Cissé has already complained about the disruption of the vote, as well. as possible electoral fraud.
The international community hopes for a successful presidential election in Mali. A positive outcome would help consolidate a peace deal between the government, pro-government forces and former Tuareg rebels in the fight against Islamic extremists in the largely anarchic north.
The first results of Sunday's vote are expected this week. by Friday
If no candidate wins more than 50% of the votes, a second round is scheduled for August 12th.
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