Mali Presidential challengers have seen destabilizing political chaos but hopes are high for once democratic country

Heavyweights face newcomers in race for Mali presidency

AFP – Mali goes to the polls next week to pick a new president for the first time since a military coup last year toppled a regime once held up as a beacon of democracy in troubled west Africa. The July 28 poll is seen as crucial to reuniting a country riven by conflict. | Democracy, elections and voting