Dr. Peter Sakwe Masumbe, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and International Relations, University of Buea, looks at the propects of stability in CAR after transition.
How do you appreciate the conduct of the first round of presidential election and legislative election in the Central African Republic?
Without any disillusionment, given the few lapses here and there, I believe that, every right thinking person, be he or she a Central African or not should be very delighted with the commendable and historic conduct of peaceful elections in CAR. The peaceful conduct, the outcome and more importantly, the high turnout of voters in the presidential and parliamentary elections in that country demonstrate the fervent eagerness and determination with which the people of Central African Republic intend to turn to a new page in their political, economic and social development.
Since obtaining independence from France in 1960, the Central African Republic has not known peace, talk less of conducting an internationally acclaimed political competition, where the highest percentage of citizens appears satisfied. Irrespective of the obvious disparages from losers in a contest of such importance and magnitude, there is ample justification to praise all the stakeholders (the Interim Government, MINUSCA, AU, leaders of neighbouring countries such as Cameroon and Congo, etc) in the electoral process in the Central African Republic.
Irrefutably, some people might take it with simple levity or commonplace act, but those with deep-rooted insights into the real ramifications of state and political power would understand that, the process leading to the second round voting in CAR needs to be regarded as highly gratifying.
The two candidates who emerged in the first round of the election are bracing up for the second round on January 31st 2016. What care should be taken to ensure that the entire electoral process ends smoothly?
First, the best thing that would happen to the people of Central African Republic and their country at large as the two candidates brace up towards January 31st, 2016 round two elections is the ability and conscientiousness to listen attentively to the various campaign speeches of each candidate, from where they would aptly decipher the candidate whose manifesto assures viable political and economic growth for the CAR. In fact, the people with their power of sovereignty are the most important stakeholders in deciding who their next president becomes.
Thus, they should use their voting power with sensitive dexterity. In addition, Central Africans must not allow anybody to use any bit of their territory to foster egoistic politico-military goals. Secondly, the respective candidates should refrain from cankerous, bitterness and mudslinging sort of political campaigning. They should use their acquired political maturity to demonstrate that, if elected they would actually rule to integrate, unite and produce a strong and competitive country in the international arena.
They must not consider this round as a do or die affair. Thirdly, the internal and external forces (Interim Government, MINUSCA, AU, CEMAC, neighbouring states, etc., should remain completely committed but highly neutral to avoid creating the disastrous situations of illegitimacy, litigations, confusion and exacerbate bloodshed.
What should the future leaders and the international community do at the end of the transition period for peace, stability and economic take off to be achieved in the country?
The future leaders and the international community must terminate the transition period in peace, stability and provide ample chances for economic take off in CAR. An enabling environment for the responsive respect for the Social Contract must be created before the departure of the Interim Government and MINUSCA respectively. Thereafter, the elected leaders must never be tempted to become tin gods and messiahs over an impoverished population such as in CAR.
Obtaining political power is just one thing and using such power positively is another thing. Definitely, the sole aim of seeking state and political power must be to enhance the livelihood of the society. Faustin Archange Touadera and Anicet Georges Dologuele must seek to become positively famous in their country; that is to be famous in acumen, stemming from an intrinsic capacity to govern by establishing a responsive government and citizenry that reflect the country’s rich material, geographic, ethnic and religious diversity.
The winner must embrace a no victor no vanquish attitude to politics, by projecting credible credentials for true democracy. The CAR, being a volatile society, he must acquire sufficient ingenuity, which would enhance his avoidance of mistakes of past leaders; nor to be a protégé of past leaders.
