Mali holds vote on new constitution

Malians went to the polls on Sunday to pass judgement on the new constitution.

Some 8.4 million citizens are eligible to vote "yes" or "no" on the draft constitution in the first electoral test. Voting began at 08:00 GMT and results are expected within 72 hours. The new constitution will strengthen the role of the president, who will have the right to hire and fire the prime minister and cabinet members.

The government will answer to the President and, not parliament as the current 1992 document states. It will also give amnesty to those behind prior coups, reform the regulation of public finances, and force MPs and senators to declare their wealth in a bid to clamp down on corruption.