Nearly 1.8 million Central Africans are urged to elect their deputies. An important voting day, as the first round on 27 December was chaotic. If he allowed re-election of the president in the first round, 56 constituencies out of 140 could not vote due to uncertainty … A total of 118 constituencies will vote on Sunday.
as reported from Bangui, Charlotte Cosset
63 constituencies that will have to resume the first round: where there could be no vote due to uncertainty, but also in three of those where the vote was canceled. These constituencies are mainly located in the northwest and center of the country in areas that were under the control of armed groups after the CPC coalition offensive, such as Bambari, Bouar or Boda.
The first round is also played in the strongholds of the opposition, which were prevented in December: as in Bocaranga or Bossangoa. The second round is being held in 49 constituencies, mainly in the southern regions of the country, such as Obo Bangassou or Mbaïki.
The logistical challenges are the same as in the first round, but the national electoral authority ensures that it is ready in all constituencies. It is a matter of electing deputies to allow the installation of the new legislature before May 3 as required by the Constitution.
Unknown at participation
If the United Hearts Movement, the presidential movement, has a large number of candidates running as well as independents who are in favor of it, observers of the Rainbow Network believe that these current elections are still “competitive” and “Leave a great opportunity, for a pluralistic and balanced assembly “. They could “promote a real counterforce in CAR” believes the organization.
If the MCU demands a large majority – which will facilitate the application of the policy of President Touadera, who has just been re-elected – the opposition coalition COD2020 will officially remain on its position to withdraw from the vote, believing that the conditions will not be reunited. However, one of its leaders, Anicet-Georges Dologuélé, decided to remain in the race as a number of other candidates in this coalition.
It remains to be seen whether voters will go to the polls en masse. It is not certain that the legislators are mobilizing as much as the presidential election. Security fears are also present in certain regions of the country despite the efforts of the authorities and Minusca.
Conflicting positions on the CPC page
Security remains “fragile” at certain sites, observers recall of the Rainbow Network despite the Central African forces’ offensive. The armed coalition, for its part, is issuing conflicting statements about its position on the vote and some fear security incidents in areas still under their control.
Only the African Union for the international community will be on site with about twenty observers in the capital, but also in five provincial towns (Sibut, Damara, Boali, Bossembele, Mbaïki). Several national organizations will have observers in Bangui and in the region. Among them, some wonder about their mission while maintaining the curfew. An exception has been granted to the national electoral authority and its partners such as Minusca, which will have to travel under the auspices of defense and internal security forces. The authorities’ note does not specify what happens to observers and journalists.
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