Mali Parliament Supports Proposed Law Reform

Kouf Kaf

3 August 2011

Mali will soon hold a referendum to vote on political reforms after the country’s parliament adopted proposed changes to its supreme law.

The National Assembly’s vote was overwhelming in favour of the constitutional changes, with 141 deputies supporting them. Only three deputies rejected the draft while one member abstained.

Some 105 out of 122 articles are targeted in the reforms but the presidential term limit remains pegged at two and the governing system semi-presidential, although the president’s duties will be reinforced.

Some deputies had criticised the new proposed law, saying they did not find the changes necessary 20 years after a landmark national conference made way for multipartism through a new constitution.

But the president of the Congress for National Democratic Initiative (CNID) party, Mr Mountaga Tall, defended the reforms.

“Such an opportunity is welcome every ten years. We discussed about the time for its adoption. Many parliament members believe that priority should be given to the organisation of the 2012 general elections,” he said.

Before the ballot, opposition leader Dr Oumar Mariko had asked his deputies not to vote. The SADI (African Solidarity for Democracy and Integration) leader turned down the chance to join the country’s current coalition government and has instead said he will be running in the presidential election next year.

Among the key changes include that a head of state can be charged with treason. If passed the new law will be enacted by the President in 15 days.

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