CAR: Candidates form alliances ahead of Sunday poll

The second and the final round of Central African Republic’s presidential election will be held this Sunday, now with two candidates, Georges Dologuélé and Faustin Touadera eyeing the top seat.

Nzanga Desire Kolingba, who came third in the first round with just over 12% of votes, has offered to back Anicet Georges Dologuélé.

“We are committed to supporting Mr. Dologuélé in his campaign and in case of victory, the two parties will work together to rehabilitate the country,” said the secretary general of the Central African Democratic Union (DRC), Kolingba’s party.

Faustin Touadera on the other hand, will be supported by Martin Ziguélé, who finished fourth in the first round with 11% of votes.

But regardless of the result, the country is hoping to turn the page of years of sectarian violence between Christians and Muslims.

Political experts say, however, that the new government will have to work fast to disarm militias and renew national dialogue in order to unite the country and revive a sagging economy, should the long-delayed elections go on as planned.