Overview

• Polling began Sunday under a sweeping security operation that deployed 45,000 personnel, about 1,000 vehicles and combat helicopters, according to the National Gendarmerie.
• The draft charter removes the transition-era ban on junta members running for office, lengthens the presidential term to seven years and creates a Senate with one-third of seats appointed by the president.
• Roughly 6.7 million citizens are eligible to vote, and the referendum requires at least 50% turnout to pass, with polling stations set to close at 6 p.m. local time.
• Key opposition figures Cellou Dalein Diallo and former president Alpha Condé urged a boycott as their suspended parties and constrained media presence limited campaigning against the measure.
• Election officials said results are not expected before Tuesday, and authorities say national elections are due by year-end with December timing referenced by multiple reports.