Central Africans vote in presidential runoff

Voters in the Central African Republic went to the polls Sunday in the final round of presidential elections and in a re-run of elections to the national assembly. There are hopes that the poll, which is taking place amid heavy security, will help turn the page on years of religious conflict. It comes after the […]

Voters in the Central African Republic went to the polls Sunday in the final round of presidential elections and in a re-run of elections to the national assembly.
There are hopes that the poll, which is taking place amid heavy security, will help turn the page on years of religious conflict. It comes after the seizure of power by a mainly Muslim rebel group in 2013 led to prolonged bloodshed.
Both presidential candidates, former Prime Ministers Faustin Touadera and Anicet Dologuele, have pledged to restore security and boost the economy.
Casting his vote, Mr Touadera – portrayed by supporters as a peacemaker who can bridge the Christian-Muslim divide – said he was hoping for a high turnout. Mr Dologuele – who has promised a break from the country’s violent past – referenced St Valentine’s Day as he exhorted citizens to vote “as an act of love for their country”.
Mr Dologuele served under President Ange-Felix Patasse between 1999 and 2001, and Mr Touadera was prime minister under President Francois Bozize between 2008 and 2013.