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According to the UNHCR, more than 620,000 Central Africans are refugees, especially in neighboring countries (Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo). Returns are made regularly. This week, two convoys of volunteer returns were organized. And these returning confidence in their desire to exercise their civil rights.
as reported from Bangui, Charlotte cosset
In this whaling, refugees sing of their pleasure to finally return home. Among their hopes, will vote on December 27. That is the case with Edo. “It is because of the choice that I came back to do my duty as a citizen. If there are opportunities, I must register to be able to vote. “Why does he want to vote?” It is the duty of someone who lives in this country. “
But for the refugees who return today, the registration of the ballot paper is already closed. And for the refugees who are still outside – they are estimated at around 200,000 potential voters – the vote will not be possible either. Thierry Zeneth, Chair of the Subcommittee on Refugee Eligibility at the National Commission for Refugees, reviews the process:
“The authorities have worked to ensure that the vote is inclusive with the participation of refugees. The procedure was initiated, a bill was drawn up. Unfortunately, the question of Covid, the state’s limited funds and ANE’s difficulties [Agence nationale électorale] to start the election operations meant that there was a huge delay and that we could no longer start these activities to allow the voice of our compatriots outside. ”
After all, some refugees, a minority, managed to register on the electoral roll in their host country as a diaspora.
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