In focal point: the implications of the elections within the Central African Republic

In the Central African Republic, first of all, the presidential and legislative elections yesterday, which took place “in a tense security context”, commemorate the radio Long Luke. On her website, she takes stock of this day and notes that “several cities did not have the chance to participate in these polls. This is the case, for example, with Bouar, Bozoum, Bambari, Kaga Bandoro, Kabo, Batangafo, the list is long, ”says Ndele Luka.

The double vote interrupted by armed groups

A list that is at least partially taken up by RJDH, the network of human rights journalists. He confirms, for example, that in Bouar in the west “the rebels from the Coalition of Patriots for Change invaded the city and started firing shots at 4 o’clock to prevent the population” from surrendering to the streets. ballot papers. The occupation of the city of Baboua also prevented the polls from being held. Same story in Bambari with very early in the morning “warning shots to send a message to the people”. RJDH also reports that in Ngaoundaye “sensitive materials and ballot papers were taken away by 3R elements in the regions”.

A calm atmosphere in Bangui and other cities

But the vote could still take place peacefully in Bangui and other cities. Ndele Luka notes that thousands of Central Africans have nevertheless “feared” going to the polls in Bangui. In the capital, estimates “mobilization was strong” radio with “long queues of voters” who spent “hours under the sun despite the delay in the delivery of election materials to several centers”. A vote also followed in many other localities in the country, the article emphasizes. And also abroad, he concludes: “Central Africans in the diaspora voted in France, the United States, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and the Republic of Congo”.

The eye of the international press

A double Central African election, moreover widely followed by the international press. Much followed even by the French press. Le Figaro for example, “choices under tension”, Release, “A ballot with limited participation”.

In Belgium, the site is for RTBF evokes a criticized ballot, and which “throws oil on the fire”, here using the words of a researcher. An analysis shared by The observer in Burkina Faso. He believes that it is the exclusion of François Bozizé who “awakened the old demons from political-military divisions”, and that yesterday’s elections “pose more problems than they solve”, “because the groups Rebels will not lay down their arms soon , and the new president contested before his election will have sole authority over Bangui and the surrounding sites and under the strong supervision of MINUSCA. “With these choices” with a pair of pliers “, the observer concludes,” the legality is therefore certain, but as to the legitimacy of elected officials, it will be necessary to go back “.

Presidential and Legislative Elections in Niger

Other elections in the press today in Niger, presidential elections and legislative. It was “a historic day” too Tamtam Info, “Because this is the first time in Niger that a democratically elected president will be replaced by another equally democratically elected one,” the website estimates. It shows with supporting photos the outgoing Mahamadou Issoufou’s voice on “office 00 in Niamey town hall”. The same office where the PNDS candidate, Mohamed Bazoum, voted.

Sahelfor its part, forwarded the words of Mahamadou Issoufou yesterday. He hopes that “this first exchange will allow Niger to consolidate its status as a model for democracy in Africa and in the world”. Niger news shares the results of the Coalition for Observations of Citizens’ Elections, which yesterday sent out 750 observers. A report showing “some shortcomings but a calm vote in the 311 offices monitored”. Niger news also publishes the opinion of ECOWAS observers who seemed to appreciate “the calm and peaceful climate” on this election day.

Elections commented again by the international press.

It is “a presidential election for an unprecedented peaceful transition,” he notes The African worldin France. In Burkina Faso, The country also welcomes the “behavior of the outgoing President”, who “willingly agreed to abide by the Constitution”. Thus, Le Pays points out, “Niger is closing the door to the landslide that characterizes the year 2020 in the West African sub-region. And unlike what happened in Côte d’Ivoire or in Guinea, where the votes were marred by murderous violence linked to the 3rd-term challenge sought by Alassane Ouattara and Alpha Condé, the Burkinabè newspaper concludes. , in the country Hamani Diori all indications are that democracy will emerge from the top on the occasion of this double vote ”.

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