Central African Republic goes to the polls

Candidates for the presidential elections in the Central African Republic ended their campaigns Friday.

On Sunday, Central Africans will choose between Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Faustin Archange Touadéra to begin a recovery process for a country that needs healing.

The two men are battling for the post of prime minister.

Economist against mathematician

Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Faustin-Archange Touadéra are both distinguished with one being an economist and the other a mathematician.

Doléguélé also known as ‘’ Mr. own ‘’ left government in 2001 to take over the presidency of the General Directorate of the Development Bank of Central African States.

The 58-year-old economist in the past also run a consulting firm in Paris. Critics say he is not in touch with locals.

Touadéra is a professor of pure mathematics, and a graduate of the Universities of Lille 1 (France) and Yaounde where he obtained a doctorate. ‘’ The candidate of the people ‘’ as he is referred to, he led a dialogue in 2008 for the signing of several peace agreements to end the various rebellions that spread throughout the country.

More serenity

Touadéra and Dologuélé are both expectant. Voters also, are expecting better results.

The CAR has experienced in recent years, an improved pace of communal violence with clashes between Christians and Muslims.

The election is meant to end a two-year political transition that began when a Muslim rebel leader stepped aside under mounting international pressure less than a year after he deposed the Christian president of a decade.

Whoever wins, may begin a crucial process towards healing.