Mali Votes In Long-Delayed Parliamentary Elections Amid Pandemic And Security Fears

Al Jazeera: Polls close in Mali amid coronavirus threat, security fears

Long-delayed parliamentary elections overshadowed by kidnapping of opposition leader, concerns over coronavirus.

Polls have closed in Mali's long-delayed parliamentary elections which were held despite concerns about security and the coronavirus pandemic.

Sunday's vote came hours after the violence-hit West African country announced its first coronavirus death and days after main opposition leader Soumaila Cisse was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen.

The vote was expected to see new MPs elected to the 147-seat National Assembly for the first time since 2013, when President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita's Rally for Mali party won a substantial majority.

Parliamentary elections were meant to take place again in late 2018 following Keita's re-election, but the poll was postponed several times, largely due to security concerns.

After Sunday's first-round vote, a second round is scheduled for April 19.

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More News On Today's Elections In Mali

Mali goes to the polls despite coronavirus fears -- BBC
Mali votes in long-delayed election amid coronavirus, security fears -- France 24
Mali Holds Election Despite Coronavirus and Insurgency -- US News and World Report/Reuters
Mali holds general elections despite COVID-19 fears -- Anadolu Agency

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