Central African Republic: 8 Candidates to face off in Presidential elections as country moves towards healing

On Monday, members of the National Transitional Council are to select a new interim president tasked with leading the Central African Republic toward democratic elections before the end of 2014.

The field, though, has been narrowed by the requirement that candidates could not have taken part in a rebellion or armed group over the last 20 years.

Among 8 candidates from an initial field of 24 are 2 sons of former presidents: Sylvain Patasse, whose father was the country’s only democratically elected leader and governed from 1993 to 2003; and Desire Zanga-Kolingba, whose father took power in a coup and ruled from 1981 to 1993. The current mayor of Bangui, Catherine Samba-Panza, is also in the running as is a second female candidate, Regina Konzi-Mongo.

The presidential elections are a crucial step towards healing this country that has seen years of conflict. In 2013, Michel Djotodia united thousands of armed fighters last March in a bid to overthrow longtime President Francois Bozize. Djotodia’s inability to control the rebels in the aftermath ultimately led to his demise, as the fighters began pillaging homes and killing civilians. Over time, resentment grew in the predominantly Christian country toward the rebels, most minority Muslims from the distant north.

An International force including 4,400 African peacekeeping troops are in the the Central African Republic the helpd secure and stablize the country. About 3,200 of the peacekeeprs are stationed in the capital, Bangui.

Source: Associated Press