Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangui (Fides Service)- “The election of outgoing President François Bozizé would appear to be certain. There are no signs of tension, except for a little arguing between adversary parties” a missionary in the Central African Republic told Fides on the eve of a second round of presidential elections on May 8.
“The people hope that with electoral process over the international community will release the promised funds for the country’s development” the missionary said. “In fact the international community wants to see Bozizé, who took power at the end of a civil war, legitimately elected. The country spent almost all its public money to organise the elections. The people now wait for the promised international aid”.
More than 1.5 million Central Africans are called to vote in this second round of presidential and legislative elections. The first round on 13 March was won by Bozizé with 42.97 % and former Prime Minister Martin Ziguélé who obtained 23.53%. Since none of the candidates obtained 50% a second round of elections was necessary.
The country is coming out of a turbulent period following a civil war 2002-2003. After months of clashes on 15 March 2003 former army chief François Bozizé overthrew President Ange-Félix Patassé who took refugee abroad. An interim government was formed and the international community recognised Bozizé as President ad interim. Bozizé promised to call free elections in the first six months of 2005.
Central African Republic is one of the world’s poorest countries with an annual income per head of 260 dollars and an international debt of 1.3 billion dollars. People can expect to live to an average of 39.5 years and more than 1 out of 10 children dies before the age of five (11.5 per cent) and less than half the adult population can read and write (48.5 per cent). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 7/5/2005 righe 34 parole 358)
