The presidential run-off on Sunday the 14th of February marked a new chapter for The Central African Republic in its violent-prone attempts to restore law and order. The National Authority for Elections officials announced partial election results from one polling station.
“On behalf of the ANE, I will proceed to announce the provisional and partial results that we can already share with you. Bangui province, first district, Centre Fille school, polling station 1 candidate 1 Anicet-Georges Dologuele URCA (Union for Central African Renewal) 85; candidate Faustin-Archange Touadera 122,” Rene Sakanga Morouba, Committee president
Observers and election officials praised the organization of the vote, an improvement from the first round that took place on December 30th
“Overall, the election took place in a climate of peace and tranquility in the areas where the mission was present. Most voting was conducted in accordance with procedures written in the electoral law and the directives given by the National Elections Authority despite constraints due to material, technical and logistical deficiencies…. The ANE rapporteur has reported to the mission that the voter turnout could reach 63%, slightly below the rate that had been recorded during the first round”Souleymane Ndeye, African Union Spokesperson, C.A.R.
The first round turnout of nearly 80 percent was largely viewed as a popular rejection of the violence, which has left the northeast under the control of Muslim rebels, while Christian militias remain in the southwest.
Touadera has vowed to fight corruption, while Dologuele pledges to revive the economy and draw in investors, hesitant until now to exploit significant gold, diamond and uranium deposits.
