body-container-line-1

Keita wins by landslide in Mali presidential vote

By AFP
Mali Ibrahim Boubacar Keita speaks in an interview in Bamako on August 9, 2013.  By Issouf Sanogo AFP
AUG 15, 2013 LISTEN
Ibrahim Boubacar Keita speaks in an interview in Bamako on August 9, 2013. By Issouf Sanogo (AFP)

BAMAKO (AFP) - Mali announced Ibrahim Boubacar Keita as its new leader on Thursday when the government confirmed the ex-prime minister had won a landslide victory in a presidential poll intended to give a fresh start to the conflict-scarred nation.

Figures for Sunday's ballot announced on live television by the interior ministry showed the former prime minister won an overwhelming 77.6 percent of the vote, with his rival Soumaila Cisse achieving just 22.4 percent.

body-container-line