must be made at least 24 hours and at most 8 days, prior to the date of the gathering. 156. The limits imposed on freedom of demonstration seek mainly to ensure the preservation of public order. Indeed, the mayor, representatives of the State (prefect, sub-prefect, Governor) and, in the last resort, the Minister in charge of Territorial Administration and Local Government may ban demonstrations when they are likely to disturb public order. The organizers are immediately notified of the prohibition decision. Also, the administrative authority has the power to stop any procession, march or gathering on a public highway and in public places, if the maintenance of public order so requires. It may, after warning, intervene to disperse and ban any demonstration which degenerates. The summations are however not required "if violence or assault are exercised against the security forces or if the latter cannot properly defend the land they occupy or the positions they are bound to defend." The right to participate in public affairs (Article 13) 157. Mali has ratified various international human rights conventions including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 158. The Constitution of Mali does not discriminate between men and women with regard to their participation in political and public life. 159. Political pluralism and the full exercise of civil liberties are two key indicators of the rule of law and democratic dispensation. In this respect, in terms of civil and political rights, we can say that the regulatory and institutional framework in Mali offers all the guarantees for the exercise of individual and collective freedoms, evidenced in the existence of a large number of political parties (over one hundred), non-governmental associations and organizations fighting for human rights. 160. Mali, an independent, sovereign, indivisible, democratic, secular and social Republic, has as principle, government of the people, by the people and for the people. Thus, Article 26 of the Constitution states that "national sovereignty shall belong to the whole people, who exercise it through their representatives or by referendum. No faction or any individual may arrogate the exercise thereof." 161. Article 27 determines the universal, equal and secret character of ballot, while Article 28 insists on the role of political parties which contribute to the exercise of suffrage while respecting national sovereignty, democracy, territorial integrity, national unity and the secular nature of the State. 162. Mali has an electoral law (Law No. 02-007 of 12 February 2002), adopted in the spirit of consensus by the entire political class, including the majority and the opposition. The requirements for voting are mainly nationality, age (18 years), the enjoyment of civil and political rights and residence. To become a member of the National Assembly, a communal council or “Cercle” or the Regional Assembly, the same conditions apply. As for the candidate for the presidency of the Republic, he must, in addition to the condition of residence, be of Malian origin, be 35 years of age; he must also enjoy his civil and political rights. No condition of race, colour, sex or religion is required to qualify for an elective position or public office. 37