In Mali, parliament approves five-year democratic transition plan

On [21 February], 120 members of Mali’s 121-seat interim parliament, called the National Transitional Council, voted to allow the military government to govern for up to five years. It also voted to forbid the interim president from standing for future election. Of the lawmakers attending the vote, none voted against the bill or abstained, AFP journalists present said. The bill does not mention Mali’s interim President Colonel Assimi Goita by name – leaving open the possibility that he could run if he steps down ahead of a future election. Nor does the bill mention on what date a future election might be held. Goita has pledged to restore civilian rule, but he has refused to commit to a date.
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