Results of Mali election awaited on Wednesday to officialize Keita's victory

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BAMAKO, Aug. 13 -- Though results of Mali's presidential run-off are not to be released till Wednesday, the officialization of the sweeping victory of Ibrahim Boubacar Keiti (IBK) has turned to be a mere formality, as his rival Soumaila Cisse had admitted defeat on Monday evening and confirmed on Tuesday that he would not protest over "serious frauds" during the poll.

Despite frauds repeatedly denounced by his camp, the 63-year- old former finances minister told a press conference on Tuesday that it is the responsibility of his allies to provide opportunity for the newly elected president to get to work quickly.

Considering the fragile situation in the country, my allies and I do not want to open a page of protest and unrest in Mali," said Cisse, "therefore, we solemnly declare to accept the results that the government will proclaim. I will not file petition to the Supreme Court."

Excluding the possibility of entering government, Cisse vowed to form an opposition.

On Monday evening, Cisse made a highly appreciated move when he went to IBK's home, conceded defeat and said "congratulations" to the latter.

"My family and I went to congratulate Mr. Keita, the future president of Mali, on his victory. May God bless Mali," read the message posted on his official Twitter feed.

"With boundless joy, I give thousands of 'bravo' to Soumaila Cisse for his Republican sense and fair play. And I congratulate Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on his very probable victory as President of the Republic of Mali," commented Professor Aboubacrine Assadek Ag Hamady, whose candidature for the presidency was rejected by the Supreme Court before the election.

Nevertheless, in Bamako, people went on with their daily work or business without showing any sign of excitement or joy. At IBK's campaign headquarters, logistical preparations for the speech of the newly president continued as his supporters talked about a "modest feeling of triumph."

The provisional results of the presidential run-off held on Sunday will be announced on Wednesday, press officer of the Ministry of Territorial Administration (Mindat) told Xinhua.

"We are working to have it done on Wednesday. Unlike what happened during the first round, the proclamation of provisional results of the second round will not take place inside this ministry, but at the headquarters of the Governorate of Bamako," said Gamer Dicko, Mindat press officer.

A source of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed this information, citing the Minister of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Regional Planning, Sinko Moussa Coulibaly.

According to the electoral law, the Ministry of Territorial Administration must declare provisional results within five days after the day of vote. The Constitutional Court is to announce the definitive results.

IBK is largely ahead in the second round, according to trends revealed during the counting of votes. In the first round held on 28 July, he got 39.79 percent of the vote and Soumaila Cisse 19.70 percent.

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