New programs in 2015 to support Central African elections

New initiatives are expected to be rolled out in 2015 by the UN to support elections in the Central African Republic (CAR) as the country continues to recover from civil unrest.

A constitutional referendum as well as presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled in CAR for later in the year.

In December 2013, the capital Bangui was seized by a Christian militia, called anti-Balaka, displacing half a million people and killing thousands of civilians.

The elections are seen as a crucial step in the country's return to peace and development.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has announced its initiatives will include registering, mobilizing and educating voters, with a special focus on women, youth, and marginalized groups.

Their total budget to support elections in CAR is $44 million, and more than half of it is financed by the European Union.


SOURCE: Stephanie Coutrix, United Nations.