Central African Republic: Counting underway in key run-off election

Officials are counting ballots in the Central African Republic capital, Bangui.

The country went ahead with a presidential run-off election Sunday that many hope will solidify a tentative peace after more than 2 years of sectarian conflict.

The country was pitched into crisis in early 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka fighters toppled President Francois Bozize.

Two ex-prime ministers, Faustin-Archange Touadera and Anicet-Georges Dologuele, were contesting a presidential election that will determine who will be charged with the enormous challenge of reuniting the nation.

Touadera has portrayed himself as an anti-corruption stalwart, while Dologuele pledges to revive the economy and draw in investors hesitant until now to exploit significant gold, diamond and uranium deposits.

As voting stations closed poll workers immediately emptied ballot boxes and began counting votes.

Observers and elections officials praised the organization of the election, a marked improvement from a December 30 first round when ballot materials arrived late or not at all in many areas.

First round turnout of nearly 80 percent was largely viewed as a popular rejection of violence.

“I wish a happy Valentine’s Day to everyone,” Dologuele said after casting his vote. “I would like Central Africans to consider the voting today an act of love for their country.”

Both Dologuele, a banker, and trained mathematics professor Touadera have made the restoration of peace and security the centerpiece of their campaigns.

The polls should reinstate democracy after 3 years of unpopular interim administrations, analysts warn the election is only the first step in the long process of pulling Central African Republic back from the abyss.

Source: Agencies