02 December 1998

Bangui, Central African Republic: Security Council resolution 1201 of 15 October 1998 will go down as a red letter day here. The resolution extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINURCA). It recognised the help already given by UNDP and MINURCA to the Mixed and Independent Electoral Commissions (CEMIs) and provided for support for the conduct of legislative elections, including a 'limited but reliable' observation team for the first and second rounds. A task both delicate and crucial.

Three days later, by the Oubangui river

18 October. At Bangui airport, just three days after the Security Council vote, the first UNVs - «Medium Term Observers» or MTOs - are landing. Five women and nine men, broadly reflecting the composition of MINURCA itself, they are from Belgium, Burkina Faso, Canada, France, Haiti , Italy, Mali and Rwanda. They will serve for ten weeks under MINURCA, to prepare the ground for Short Term Electoral Observers to be deployed at selected sites during the first and second rounds of the elections. All the UNVs have previous electoral experience at national or international level. Following a five-day induction they are deployed in Bangui and throughout the country - Bouar, Berberati, Kaga Bandoro, Bambari and Bangassou.

The main goal is to ensure that the legislative procedure is as transparent and free from irregularities as possible, hence giving the elections legitimacy. In 1996 public discontent over social and economic problems, most notably the non-payment of salary arrears, led to three successive mutinies of elements of the armed forces in the Republic. The mutinies have polarised a people somewhat entrenched within ethnic and regional boundaries.

For the People, With the People, By the People

22 November. This Sunday is a really special day. Everything looks normal, if a bit quiet. Unusually, electoral banners and posters can be seen here and there. In fact, no less than 2,572 polling stations and centres have been set-up in schools, social centres, etc throughout the country. Some 122 Short Term Electoral Observers (103 from MINURCA, 12 from the European Union, and 7 from La Franco-phonie) have been deployed in selected polling sites. The 14 UNVs circulate from one polling station to another, noting irregularities and seeing to logistics problems.

The distribution of ballot papers has in some places been just such a problem: printed just before the elections, they were not always ready on time. The resulting situation is potentially explosive, as in the 6th arrondissement of Bangui, considered traditionally opposed to the Government. There they feel used to being marginalised, and this time want to vote. They are quick to reach the conclusion that once again, they have been excluded. The tension and frustration is tangible, and the risk of violence high.

Fortunately, the papers eventually arrive and everyone is reassured to hear that the polling will continue until late at night. Petrol lamps will have to be brought in. Faulty electoral lists are another problem: a non-registered person may vote provided s/he is accompanied by two witnesses and by the local chief. In other stations, the Armed Forces, standing all day under the sun, have to be gently reminded that they should remain at least 100 metres from the ballot boxes. By 2 p.m. only 25% of those registered are reckoned to have voted.

23 November. But by the following morning, Radio MINURCA and local radios start broadcasting the news. In spite of some difficulties reported in specific areas, the voting was completed; the people have proved their maturity and patience - 70% of registered voters have cast their vote. No massive deliberate fraud was reported and no major security incident had occurred. At MINURCA everyone feels relieved, but it's not yet time to rest: detailed statistics have to be prepared.

On the Road Again

25 November. The Short Term Electoral Observers from abroad prepare to return home. The UNVs will stay at their duty stations to prepare the second round, scheduled for 13 December. Meanwhile, an MP just elected, with business cards already printed, flies to a conference in Paris.

The prompt fielding of the 14 Medium Term Observers only three days after the Security Council resolution would have been impossible without six months of preparations between the UN in New York, UNDP and MINURCA in Bangui, and the UNV Humanitarian Relief Unit in Geneva and Bonn. On the ground, the organisation of the elections was clearly the responsibility of the CEMIs and the outcome will be eventually validated by the country's Constitutional Court. However, restoring stability will depend not only on acceptance of the election results, but also on success in restructuring the armed forces (a process with which UNVs are also involved). Yet, the simple presence of observers seems to have had a tangible psychological impact. It has fostered public confidence in the elections, helped prevent major violations of electoral law and has been a reassuring sign of the international community's involvement in this still fragile democracy.