Editing Politics of Mali (section)

==Administrative divisions==
{{Main|Regions of Mali}}
Administratively, Mali is divided into ten regions ([[Gao Region|Gao]], [[Ménaka Region|Ménaka]], [[Kayes Region|Kayes]], [[Kidal Region|Kidal]],  [[Koulikoro Region|Koulikoro]], [[Mopti Region|Mopti]], [[Ségou Region|Ségou]], [[Sikasso Region|Sikasso]], [[Tombouctou Region|Tombouctou]], [[Taoudénit Region|Taoudénit]]) and the capital district of Bamako, each under the authority of an elected governor. Each region consists of five to nine districts (or [[Cercles of Mali|Cercles]]), administered by Prefects. Cercles are divided into [[Communes of Mali|communes]], which, in turn, are divided into villages or quarters.

A decentralisation and democratisation process began in the 1990s with the establishment of 702 elected municipal councils, headed by elected mayors, and previously appointed officials have been replaced with elected officials, which culminates in a National council of local officials. Other changes included greater local control over finances, and the reduction of administrative control by the central government.