COLLATION of ballots was in progress at designated centres on Monday,  July 30, after Mali’s Sunday presidential election marked by low voter-turn out.

Some eight million Malians from an estimated 18 million population were registered for the vote.

Political analysts blame the low turn-out on insecurity in the northern and central regions of Kidal, Gau, Timbuktu and Mopti, and an apparent apathy by the electorate.

Twenty-four candidates including sitting president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and one woman contestant are on the presidential ballot.

International observers including those from ECOWAS, AU and the EU are monitoring the electoral process, although pundits believe the insecurity and governance challenges confronting Mali go beyond the conduct of a successful nation election.