Voters have defied threats by rebel groups and turned up to cast their vote in the general elections in the Central African Republic (CAR), on Sunday, December 27, according to the United Nations peacekeeping mission there.
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) earlier vowed to support the government of President Faustin Archange Touadéra, who is currently seeking re-election, in ensuring the election goes ahead undisrupted.
Sixteen candidates are contesting in the election.
"In Bria town, there were gunshots near all vote centres by armed groups who were shooting in the air with intention of causing panic to the population. MINUSCA patrols were sent everywhere shooting were heard and they Armed Groups ran away," the Mission tweeted on Sunday.
"The population of Bamingui-Bangoran (North), despite the rumours, participated massively, this 12/27, in the choice of future leaders to lead the CAR towards stabilization, peace and development."
In Ndélé (North) and the other towns of the prefecture, the UN Mission noted, all the 84 offices, including 16 in the Bamingui sub-prefecture, opened their doors despite the passage, around 22:00, of unidentified armed elements.
On the eve of general elections in the country, the United Nations Secretary-General called on all stakeholders to ensure that the polls are held in a peaceful, inclusive and credible manner.
On Friday, peacekeepers from the UN mission were attacked by unidentified gunmen in central and southern CAR. Three Burundian peacekeepers were killed and another two wounded.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres urged all actors "to refrain from any action, including violence, hate speech and incitement to violence that could threaten human lives and undermine the electoral process and national stability.”
Earlier this month, the CAR's constitutional court invalidated five candidatures. They are François Bozizé, 74-year-old ex-President who returned to the country last year and is now accused of fermenting trouble, Jean-Michel Mandaba, Bertrand Bali Kemba, Freddy Michael Guele-Gongassoua and Armel Sayo. The court gave reasons including corruption, international arrest warrant and membership of armed groups.
Mankeur Ndiaye, the UN's special representative for the Central African Republic, and MINUSCA head, has not minced words when noting that it is troublemakers such as Bozize who want to sabotage the elections process, because the latter is not permitted to stand for election.
Ndiaye and the CAR government accused Bozizé and others in his rebel coalition of fomenting fear in the population so as to postpone the election.
At least 16 candidates are racing for the presidential post in the landlocked country.
The country will also elect a new president as well as 140 members for the National Assembly.
The incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadera, 63, who was prime minister from 2008-2013 under Bozize's rule, is contesting for a second term.