Mali begins to vote in the presidential election amid threats of violence

Images of Sunday's election showed that Malian soldiers stood guard while voters voted in the polling stations of the capital Bamako. (AP)

The presidential elections in Mali began with the opening of polling stations throughout the country, despite threats of violence from al-Qaeda-linked groups and the militant organization of the country. 39 Islamic State in West Africa. Insecurity has remained a problem in Mali since the 2012 coup that overthrew former president Amadou Toumani Toure, which led to the rebellion of Tuareg minority groups with extremist organizations linked to the country. Al Qaeda taking control of the north of the country for 10 months.

Sunday's election footage showed that Malian soldiers were on guard as voters voted in the polling stations in the capital Bamako and more than 30,000 soldiers were deployed across the country. . In a group of 24 candidates, including one woman, the main candidates to win were outgoing President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who is seeking a second term, and opposition leader Soumaila Cisse.

France conducted a military intervention in Mali in 2013 Although the Malian government signed in 2015 a peace and reconciliation agreement between the government and Tuareg rebels, the threat of terrorist attacks and ethnic violence persisted, vast parts of the country escaping state control.

eligible voters and more than 23,000 polling stations. The results of the first round of voting on Sunday should be announced in the coming days, and if a candidate gets more than 50% of the votes, it will not be necessary to hold a second round, scheduled for August 12th.

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