Mali referendum leaves the country divided on its political future

Election officials count the ballots in Mali's referendum in Bamako late on June 18, 2023. © OUSMANE MAKAVELI / AFP

The results of the referendum in Mali are due this week. For the ruling junta, the referendum paves the way for new elections in 2024. However, many have described it as a "catastrophic failure".

The results were expected within 72 hours of the closing of polling stations, so the results are due some time this week