UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday called on eligible voters in the Central African Republic to participate fully in the country’s nationwide elections scheduled for December 28, urging authorities to guarantee a peaceful, orderly, inclusive and credible process.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Farhan Haq, Guterres appealed to all stakeholders to refrain from actions that could incite violence or undermine the credibility of the polls, stressing the need to uphold the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the electoral period.
He underscored the significance of the municipal elections—being held for the first time since 1988—describing them as a key pillar of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation and a historic milestone in advancing decentralization and consolidating peace.
The UN chief noted ongoing support to national authorities from the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), while reiterating the United Nations’ continued commitment to peace, stability and democratic governance in the country.
