Communique of the G8 members on the constitutional referendum and the first round of presidential and legislative elections in CAR

12 Dec 2015

Communique of the G8 members on the constitutional referendum and the first round of presidential and legislative elections in CAR

G8 members welcomes the progress made by the National Electoral Authority in the organization of the forthcoming elections in the Central African Republic (CAR), scheduled on 13 and 27 December for the constitutional referendum and the first round of presidential and legislative elections, respectively, followed by the second round on 31 January 2016.

The G8 congratulates the two million Central Africans, who have massively registered on the electoral roll and made clear their determination to decide their own destiny and select their own leaders. The G8 notes that all over the country, they have said "let us vote", and stresses that no one, anywhere in CAR, has the right to try to stop them from shaping their own future.

The G8 notes with satisfaction the decision of the Heads of State and Government of ECCAS to endorse this electoral calendar, provide financial support for the conduct of the electoral process and their firm warning against anyone who may attempt to disrupt the smooth organization of the elections.

G8 members welcome the amendments to the Electoral Code made by the NTC in order to facilitate the holding without further delay of free, transparent and credible elections. They salute the commitment of the Transitional Authority to complete the electoral process in accordance with the timetable in force.

The G8 wishes to reiterate its support to Central African authorities for their efforts aiming at succeeding in this noble endeavor.

The G8 take note of the decision of the Constitutional Court on the candidates for the presidential election and calls on the Central African political class to abide by it. The G8 calls on all Central African political actors and armed groups to avoid any action which would be likely to hinder the electoral process as it constitutes the only guarantee to an exit from the current political and security crisis in which CAR has been immersed for many years. The G8 welcomes in this regard the signing, on 9 December 2015, of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates and encourages them to respect the spirit and the letter thereof.