US says Mali legislative elections an important step forward

US Secretary of State John Kerry affirmed here Monday that Mali has taken an “important step forward” by holding the first round of legislative elections.

“The United States applauds the Government of Mali for the technical improvements to the voting process it has implemented since the presidential elections in July and August,” he remarked.

Kerry called on Mali’s new government “to build on these efforts in preparing for an anticipated second round of legislative elections on December 15,” saying “we encourage the Malian people’s peaceful and active participation in those polls.” He affirmed that “this is one step in the process of restoring Mali’s representative and tolerant political order.”