Soumaïla Cissé

Malian politician

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July 20, 2026

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Soumaïla Cissé was a prominent Malian politician who ran for president in the 2018 election. He was the primary challenger to the incumbent, Keïta. The election was significantly impacted by ongoing violence and security concerns in Mali, which prevented many polling stations from opening and deterred voters. Cissé secured nearly 18 percent of the vote in the first round, and while he alleged fraud and challenged the results, the Constitutional Court upheld them. He again alleged fraud after the runoff election, which Keïta won.12

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Mali
2012 coup and warfare in the north
…Keïta and former finance minister Soumaïla Cissé, faced each other in a second round of voting, held on August 11. Keïta was victorious, winning almost 78 percent of the vote, and Cissé conceded defeat. Traoré handed power over to Keïta, who was sworn in on September 4, 2013.
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…Keïta and former finance minister Soumaïla Cissé, faced each other in a second round of voting, held on August 11. Keïta was victorious, winning almost 78 percent of the vote, and Cissé conceded defeat. Traoré handed power over to Keïta, who was sworn in on September 4, 2013.
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