Central African Republic: banned from presidential elections, Bozizé wants to unite the opposition against Touadéra
The former president of the Central African Republic, in Bangui at the presidential palace on January 8, 2013. © AP - Ben Curtis
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3 min
Former President François Bozizé says he “accepts” the invalidation of his presidential candidacy by the Constitutional Court and calls on the leaders of the opposition coalition, the COD 2020, of which he is the current president, to unite around a single candidacy to beat the outgoing president Faustin-Archange Touadera.
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With our special correspondent in Bangui,
Florence Morice
François Bozizé assures him in a press release released on Tuesday, December 15: he “fully
complies with the verdict of the Constitutional Court
”, which
invalidated his candidacy
for the upcoming presidential election in the Central African Republic (first round on December 27, 2020, possible second round on February 14, 2021).
But will he provide his support for another candidate?
And if so, to whom?
To this question, the former president responded with a "
proposal
": he asks the leaders of the opposition coalition, COD 2020, to agree on a single "
consensus candidate
", against six currently. .
And he promises, if necessary, to support this unique candidate by placing at his disposal his "
political support
" as well as "
the electoral machine
" of his party, the KNK (Kwa Na Kwa).
► To read also: Presidential in the Central African Republic: the electoral campaign launched in the effervescence
Opposition leaders are not thrilled by Bozizé's proposal
In his press release, François Bozizé, does not put forward any name but gives some criteria.
He suggests choosing the one who "
has the most extensive electoral base, and substantial financial means
".
This is the only solution, according to him, to block
Faustin-Archange Touadéra
, whose stated objective is to win in the first round against an opposition in dispersed ranks.
Also in his stronghold of Bossangoa, François Bozizé sent an emissary to Bangui on Tuesday to convey this message, during a meeting.
But according to our information, the proposal was received rather freshly by the other leaders of the coalition.
“
We have already settled this issue.
The majority of candidates oppose it.
Why come back?
», Says a participant.
For the latter, “
François Bozizé can support whomever he wants, but not force others to withdraw
”.
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Central African Republic
Francois Bozizé
Faustin-Archange Touadéra
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