A national election in Central African Republic, designed to replace its transitional government and bring stability to a nation wracked by years of sectarian violence has been postponed to 30 December. The election, delayed several times before, was originally scheduled for 27 December. The National Election Authority proposed a short delay to deal with technical and organizational difficulties, officials from the government and the election authority said on Thursday. Electoral agents need to complete training, said Bernard Kpongaba, vice president of the National Election Authority, adding that he did not have assurances that voting materials would have made it in time for the original date. “We will take the time for the collation and deployment throughout the country,” he said.
Campaigning will end Friday. A second round of voting will be held in late January, if needed, he said.
Election representatives met with the heads of the transitional government, presidential candidates and representatives from international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union, according to Henri Pascal Bolanga, a special adviser to transitional President Catherine Samba-Panza.
All parties agreed to a three-day delay but the constitutional court must now ratify the new date, Bolanga said.
Full Article: Central African Republic election delayed over logistical concerns | World news | The Guardian.