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           Former US Ambassador: Mali Vote Can Help Restore Stability

   by VOA News

   The former top U.S. diplomat for Africa says Mali's presidential
   election will not be "perfect" but is important for restoring democracy
   and stability.
   In an interview with VOA, former assistant secretary of state for
   African affairs, Johnnie Carson, said delaying the vote would not serve
   the country's interests and only would help entrench those who are
   currently in power.
   Malians will cast ballots Sunday in the country's first presidential
   election since last year's political crisis.
   A Tuareg rebellion led soldiers to overthrow President Amadou Toure.
   Then, jihadist groups took over the country's north until they were
   driven back by French-led forces earlier this year.
   Carson said Mali's new leadership will need to establish control over
   government institutions and address grievances that contributed to last
   year's unrest.
   "It is important that there is a government that is able to exercise
   firm control over the military. It is important that there is a
   government in Bamako that can effectively serve as part of the
   negotiations with the Tuareg and others over longstanding political and
   economic and social grievances," said Carson.
   There are 27 presidential candidates on the ballot.
   If no candidate wins a clear majority in Sunday's polling, a runoff
   will be held in mid-August.
   Mali is currently ruled by an interim government led by interim
   President Dioncounda Traore.
   ''
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/former-us-ambassador-says-mali-vote-c
   an-help-restore-stability/1710183.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/former-us-ambassador-says-mali-vote-can-help-restore-stability/1710183.html