The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called on all Central Africans to participate peacefully in the upcoming elections and urged authorities to ensure that they are conducted in a “peaceful, orderly, inclusive and credible manner,” according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.
Ahead of the presidential, legislative, regional and municipal elections scheduled for 28 December in the Central African Republic, the UN Secretary General appealed to all political actors and stakeholders to refrain from any actions that could incite violence or undermine confidence in the electoral process, emphasizing the need to preserve the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the period.
The Secretary-General described the holding of these elections as “a historic milestone in the peace process,” particularly noting that municipal elections have not taken place since 1988 and represent a key provision of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, as well as a critical step towards consolidating decentralization and extending State authority throughout the country.
Guterres applauded the efforts of the Central African authorities in preparing the elections, while highlighting the ongoing support provided by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), in coordination with other UN agencies.
The UN Secretary-General reiterated the United Nations’ firm commitment to supporting the Central African Republic’s efforts to consolidate peace, stability and democratic governance.
