Voters head to polls in Central African Republic

It did not pass off peacefully however as two people were killed and 20 others were wounded when heavy fighting broke out in a Muslim enclave of Bangui, the capital.

“I am voting because I’m patriotic. To rebuild the country, the hospitals and schools”, Ousmann, a 27-year-old resident told AFP.

A second round of voting is set for January 31.

The EU noted that the bloodless voting “bore testament to Central Africans’ determination to take charge of the destiny of their country”.

Three men are seen as front-runners in a race with 30 presidential candidates. All three held high-level positions in previous governments and are considered experienced politicians.

The election has been postponed four times since February, because of logistical problems and the threat of violence. Polling stations opened in Bangui, the capital, at about 6 a.m. local time and are scheduled to close at 4 p.m.

A day later, Seleka leader Michel Djotodia suspends the constitution and says he will rule by decree until elections are held, becoming the first Muslim president of the predominantly Christian country. The new government will face the challenge of disarming militias and renewing national dialogue in order to bridge the sectarian divide and revive a sagging economy.

Arnold Sami said that the people of Central African Republic have seen too much pain and suffering: “I am truly proud that they’ve made a decision to organize these elections, and after the elections I only want peace”.

1,800 police and gendarmes will control some areas and United Nations peacekeepers are reported to be deployed in sensitive areas as well.

The most recent unrest came after longtime president Francois Bozize, a Christian, was overthrown in March 2013 by Muslim rebels from the Seleka coalition, who were in turn ousted a year later by a military intervention led by former colonial ruler France.

Two of them – Martin Ziguele and Anicet Dologuele – were prime ministers under late President Ange-Felix Patasse.

The third, Abdoul Karim Meckassoua, is a Muslim. He served Bozize from 2003-13 in succesive posts, including as foreign minister.

“We are completely satisfied, this is a success”, said Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, the head of the UN’s peacekeeping mission Minusca (UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic).

Voters are choosing a president from a list of 30 candidates to replace transitional leader Catherine Samba-Panza, who was put in place in January 2014.