Mali will hold a presidential run-off vote on August 11, after no candidate won a majority in Sunday’s election.
Figures released by the government Friday showed former prime minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita leading all candidates with 39.2 percent of the vote. His main rival Soumalia Cisse was second with 19.4 percent, followed by Dramane Dembele with 9.6 percent.
The run-off is expected to be a hotly contested race, as top candidates from the first round are expected to throw their support behind Mr. Cisse.