Mali Government

The Republic of Mali has a semi-presidential representative democratic government. The country has both a president and prime minister. The president is the chief of state while the prime minister is the leader of the government. Power in the government is divided into three arms comprising of the legislature, the judiciary, and the executive. The judiciary is independent while the legislature has 160 members of parliament. The executive arm consists of the cabinet, prime minister, and its head, the president.

In Mali, registered voters go to the polls every five years and Malians aged 18 years, and above are eligible to vote. The president serves for only two terms of five years. To win the presidential elections, a candidate must get the absolute majority of votes cast in a two-round system. Once elected the president appoints the head of government. The members of parliament are elected for five years with 147 members elected through single-seat constituencies. The remaining 13 are elected by Malians living overseas.

The parliament building of Mali is located in Bamako Mali along Boulevard Du Peuple road. The building was built in the 1930s and is among the oldest buildings in Mali. It features two mosaic works at the entrance. The two mosaic works at the entrance were at risk of being destroyed in the coup of 2012.

Mali has a multiparty democracy in place which has allowed the formation of several parties. Some of the parties active in the country are Rally for Mali, Party for Economic Development and Solidarity, the Malian Union for the African Democratic Rally, Alternative Forces for Renewal and Emergence, Union of Patriots for Renewal, Party for Economic Development and Solidarity, Union for the Republic and Democracy and many others. Parties have also formed alliances to win elections. Although Mali has experienced coups and terrorist attacks from rebels, the country is still able to hold general elections.