On Sunday, the people of the Central African Republic (CAR) to vote in the presidential run-off and legislative elections. The elections come after the worst sectarian violence the nation has witnessed since it gained independence in 1960.
On Sunday, the people of the Central African Republic (CAR) to vote in the presidential run-off and legislative elections. The elections come after the worst sectarian violence the nation has witnessed since it gained independence in 1960.
According to media reports, the voting was conducted peacefully thanks in part to the presence of United Nations (UN) and French peacekeepers.
The two men vying in the presidential runoff are both former prime ministers. Anicet Georges Dologuele was known as “Mr. Clean” for his efforts to bring transparency to murky public finances.
Mr. Dologuele won 23.78 percent of the vote during the first round of voting last December. His opponent, Faustin Archange Touadera, a former mathematics professor, won 19.4 percent of the vote.
Mr. Touadera remains popular for paying arrears to government workers directly into their bank accounts while prime minister.
While casting his ballot in Bangui, the capital of CAR, Mr. Dologuele expressed joy at the opportunity to cast a second ballot.
“[The] joy of being able to vote in the second round and in doing so, to participate in the transition and the start of a new for the CAR,” Mr. Dologuele stated.
Meanwhile, Mr. Touadera appeared extremely confident while speaking to supporters.
“I am confident of the outcome of the vote,” he informed his supporters.