By Anne Look, 25 July 2013
Malians rank peace and stability as top priorities for the country’s next president. They go to the polls Sunday amid tensions in the far northern town of Kidal. It has been occupied by the Tuareg separatist group, the MNLA, since a French-led military intervention against jihadist groups in northern Mali began in January.

What to do about Kidal?

Mali’s 27 presidential candidates have tried to strike a delicate balance, pledging to get tough on the country’s vast security challenges while fostering reconciliation.

The lone female candidate in the race is a National Assembly deputy from the northern town of Bourem. She has been an outspoken critic of the MNLA rebellion.
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