Mali to announce provisional results of election on Wednesday

The provisional results of Mali's presidential run-off held on Sunday will be announced on Wednesday, press officer of the Ministry of Territorial Administration (Mindat) told Xinhua on Tuesday. "We are working to have it done on Wednesday. Unlike what happened during the first round, the proclamation of provisional results of the second round will not take place inside this ministry, but at the headquarters of the Governorate of Bamako," said Gamer Dicko, Mindat press officer. He also announced that an official declaration about this proclamation will be read at 8 p.m. news on Mali's national television ORTM. On Monday evening, Soumaila Cisse made a highly appreciated move by going to IBK's home, conceding defeat and congratulating him on his victory. His graceful recognition of defeat ended the suspense over the winner who is expected to lead Mali out of the current politico-military crises. According to the electoral law, the Ministry of Territorial Administration must declare provisional results within five days after the day of vote. The Constitutional Court is to announce the definite results. IBK is largely ahead in the second round, according to trends revealed during the counting of votes. In the first round held on 28 July, he got 39.79 percent of the votes against Soumaila Cisse who won 19.70 percent.