News Highlights: Central African Republic Voters Brave Violence to Leave their Mark

Summary: Despite the threat of violence, outbreaks of gunfire and delays at polling stations, citizens of the Central African Republic turned out for the December 13th referendum on a new constitution. The referendum on the constitution is part of the electoral process that could help stabilize the Central African Republic amid sectarian conflicts that plagued the country for decades. There are still serious problems in parts of the country, where warring factions are intent on retaining control and declaring self-rule. National elections are planned for December 27, however violence has displaced most of the population. United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Central Africa Republic, Abdoulaye Bathily says the renewed electoral process is critical to restoring peace in the country. “The Bangui forum held last May clearly indicated the ways out of the crisis. This country doesn’t lack in human or natural resources. There’s just a need for leadership and accountability on the political level. To me, this is fundamental, and it is essential that these elections take place in the established timeframe, which means before the end of the year. We have almost 11 million voters registered, which is practically the same level as before the crisis. Previous elections did not have as many registered voters. This means that the population has enthusiastically welcomed these elections.” Despite its significant mineral deposits and other resources, the Central African Republic is among the ten poorest countries in the world, and has the lowest level of human development, ranking 187th out of 187 countries.