Crisis in Mali: Ambivalent Popular Attitudes on the Way Forward

Authors

  • Massa Coulibaly Director, Groupe de recherche en économie appliquée et théorique (GREAT), Bamako, Mali
  • Michael Bratton Department of Political Science, Michigan State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5334/sta.bn

Abstract

This article asks what Malians think about their country’s political crisis, including its causes, status, and possible solutions. An Afrobarometer survey of public opinion conducted at the end of 2012 finds the electorate in an apprehensive and ambivalent mood. Malians express declining faith in democracy as well as considerable (but diminishing) trust in the army. In a sign of democratic resilience, however, a large and broad majority continues to believe in elections as the best way to reconstitute a government. But only in the context of a stable and intact state – with an inclusive constitutional settlement, trustworthy civilian institutions, and engaged citizenry – will Mali be ready again for routine presidential and legislative elections.

Author Biography

Michael Bratton, Department of Political Science, Michigan State University

Michael Bratton is University Distinguished Professor of Political Science and African Studies at Michigan State University. He is the author of four books, most recently Public Opinion, Democracy and Markets in Africa (Cambridge University Press, 2005, with Robert Mattes and E. Gyimah-Boadi) and is also a founder, former executive director, and now senior advisor to the Afrobarometer, a cross-national survey research project on public opinion in Africa.

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Published

2013-07-03

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2013 The Author(s)

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