Central African Republic’s Constitutional Court has annulled the results of a legislative election, setting back a transition to democracy after years of conflict. Observers had praised the peaceful nature of the polls, meant to end a rocky transition punctuated by violence between militias drawn from the Christian majority and a mostly Muslim alliance of Seleka rebels. Although France and other international partners urged transitional authorities to hold the election, Some analysts had questioned whether Central African Republic was prepared for one. The Constitutional Court’s decision cited irregularities in the vote.
… The court’s decision raises questions over the next steps for the electoral process. The former French colony could now find itself with a president but no new parliament.
On Tuesday, the national election authority scheduled the second round of presidential polls for Feb. 14. It has not yet given a date for the new legislative elections.
Former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuele and Faustin-Archange Touadera will face off after neither won an outright majority in last month’s vote.
Full Article: Central African court cancels legislative election, orders re-vote | Reuters.