Summary Authorities suggested delaying Sunday's elections by three days until December 30
BANGUI(AFP) - The transition authorities in the Central African Republic proposed on Thursday delaying the presidential and legislative elections set for this weekend until next week, during a meeting broadcast on national radio.
The authorities suggested delaying Sunday s elections by three days until December 30, citing the preparations for the voting and in particular the need to better train poll workers.
At the meeting were representatives of candidates, political parties, the electoral authority and the international community.
The country s transitional President Catherine Samba Panza asked the head of the national elections authority to cite a date if it is necessary to delay the vote.
"The date of December 30 would be better for us," said Marie-Madeleine N kouet Hoornaert, in charge of organising the vote.
Any change in the election date however must receive an exemption from the Constitutional Court as current law requires all elections be held on Sunday. It was not immediately known when the court could meet on the matter.
The elections have already been long-delayed due to more than two years of sectarian conflict in the country.
Only on Monday, electoral officials said a constitutional referendum clearing the way for the vote had won 93 percent backing.
The polls are aimed at turning the page on the conflict that erupted after a mainly Muslim rebellion overthrew longtime Christian leader Francois Bozize in 2013.
