Mali's religious leaders, both Muslims and Christians, on Thursday proposed that free and fair elections should be held in the first half of 2013.

The religious leaders made the proposal at the end of their forum which was meant to come up with the "roadmap to end the crisis that the country is currently faced with."

The forum which was dubbed "National Dialogue," was held between Aug. 7 and 9, and it came up with six proposals, including that on organizing free and fair elections in the first half of 2013.

The religious leaders equally proposed the holding of "national consultations" to ensure that the current crisis is resolved through "consensus."

However, the religious leaders said that a military option should also be considered. This is why they called for the reinforcement of the national army's capacity.

They further called for provision of security for all Malians across the entire national territory.

Speaking during the same forum, the head of Mali's Supreme Muslim Council Mahmoud Dicko expressed confidence that "Mali will overcome the challenges that it's currently confronted with."