Violence mars Mali presidential election

Despite the deployment of 30,000 security personnel throughout the country, several incidents were reported in the north and centre. [AFP]

Malians voted Sunday in a crucial presidential election as attacks disrupted polling in areas already beset by deadly ethnic and jihadist violence.

Counting has started in some of the 23,000 polling stations which closed at 1800 GMT. First results are expected within 48 hours and the official outcome is set to follow on Friday at the latest.