BANGUI - The Central African Republic went to the polls yesterday in a presidential election observers hope will bring stability to a nation hit by decades of violence and coups.
The incumbent, Francois Bozize, who seized control in 2003 and consolidated his position with an election victory in 2005, is considered the favourite - though some of his opponents have accused him of preparing to rig the poll.
The man Bozize deposed in 2003, Ange-Felix Patasse, has returned from exile to stand against Bozize. Martin Ziguele, Patasse's prime minister from 2001 to 2003, is also vying for power.
The republic has gone through a series of despotic reigns and coups since independence from France in 1960 and the election comes against a backdrop of unrest from domestic armed groups and Uganda's infamous rebel group the Lord's Resistance Army.
A spokesman for Ban Ki-moon said the UN chief hoped the elections would help end the instability.
Poll to help end tension in CAR
BANGUI - The Central African Republic went to the polls yesterday in a presidential election observers hope will bring stability to a nation hit by decades of violence and coups.
The incumbent, Francois Bozize, who seized control in 2003 and consolidated his position with an election victory in 2005, is considered the favourite - though some of his opponents have accused him of preparing to rig the poll.
The man Bozize deposed in 2003, Ange-Felix Patasse, has returned from exile to stand against Bozize. Martin Ziguele, Patasse's prime minister from 2001 to 2003, is also vying for power.
The republic has gone through a series of despotic reigns and coups since independence from France in 1960 and the election comes against a backdrop of unrest from domestic armed groups and Uganda's infamous rebel group the Lord's Resistance Army.
A spokesman for Ban Ki-moon said the UN chief hoped the elections would help end the instability.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos