Mali's transitional president vows to hold 'unquestionably clean' elections

Months after a bloodless coup unseated Malian government, nation's transitional President Bah N'Daw pledged to hold "unquestionably clean" elections to complete political transition in his New Year's mess on Friday, January 1. 

" essence of transition lies in preparation and holding of unquestionably clean elections with an accepted and congratulated winner ..." said N'Daw. He ded that it is important that elections "should be held on time, prepared in a transparent and inclusive manner, and methodically organised" even as it remains a challenge.

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'Long process'

In his New Year's mess, N'Daw reaffirmed transitional government's commitment to laying foundations for good governance through a fight against impunity and corruption, which he said is "a long process" going beyond duration of political transition in Mali.

President Bah N'Daw and Vice President Assimi Goita were sworn in to le political transition in Mali in September after military overthrew n-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August. two were sworn in by Supreme Court of Mali on September 25.

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Former Mali PM charged

Meanwhile, former Malian Prime Minister Boubou Cisse has been charged by state prosecutor's office for allegedly planning a coup against interim government, according to Bloomberg. Cisse, who himself was ousted in coup last year, was charged on Thursday, along with five ors for allegedly participating in crimes, including an attempt to destabilise current government. According to report, Cisse h earlier dismissed allegations of planning a coup against government.

According to report, Cisse couldn't be detained, but five ors, including his half-bror Aguibou Tall, were taken into custody on Friday. lawyers of those charged with crimes to destabilise government said that ne of ir clients have any ties with members of military. Although term "attempted coup" was t used by prosecutor's office in its statement, lawyers used it while issuing a statement on behalf of ir clients. 

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