Member State of the Arab League A two-part constitutional referendum was held in Mauritania on 5 August 2017,[1] having initially been planned for 15 July.

[4] The second question covered national symbols, including a proposal to change the national flag by adding a red band at the top and bottom to symbolize "the efforts and sacrifices that the people of Mauritania will keep consenting, to the price of their blood, to defend their territory",[5] as well as modifying the national anthem.

[6] A proposal to allow President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to run for a third term was dropped after protests in Nouadhibou.

[5] Former President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi called for voters to oppose the changes, claiming it would be a "constitutional coup".

[9] The opposition coalition, the National Forum for Democracy and Unity, also rejected the changes.