马里确认凯塔当选新总统政变上尉变将军

Mali's government has confirmed Ibrahim Boubacar Keita won a landslide victory in Sunday's presidential election runoff.

The government released figures on Thursday showing the former prime minister captured 77.6 percent of the vote.

His rival, former finance minister Soumaila Cisse, won just over 22 percent.  Cisse had already conceded defeat.

Confirmation of Mr. Keita's victory followed the announcement that the army captain who led a coup in March 2012 has received a huge promotion.

On Wednesday, military officials said the interim government had promoted Amadou Sanogo to general, a promotion that skips over several military ranks.

Rights groups have criticized the decision. Human Rights Watch says Sanogo, instead of being "rewarded," should be investigated for his alleged involvement in serious abuses linked to the coup.