<br><br>**Title** Central African Republic's Historic Elections Results Expected on January 5<br><br>The Central African Republic (CAR) has made significant progress towards peace and stability with its landmark elections held on December 28. This historic vote, which combined presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal elections for the first time ever, has concluded, with results expected to be announced next week.<br><br>Preliminary reports from observers indicate a high level of success, with over 99% of polling stations across the country opening as scheduled. The transfer of election materials from 19 prefectural capitals to the national capital, Bangui, is currently underway, with logistical and security support from the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA).<br><br>The elections marked an unprecedented moment in CAR's political history, bringing together four ballots in a single electoral exercise. This included municipal elections, which had not been held since 1988, making this a significant step towards democratization.<br><br>**UN Support Crucial to Complex Operation**<br><br>MINUSCA played a critical role in supporting the electoral process, working closely with national authorities and UN agencies to deliver all voting materials on time despite challenging terrain and security constraints. The mission carried out an impressive 84 flights and eight road convoys to transport over 230 tonnes of election materials, including ballot papers, indelible ink, voter cards, voting booths, and ballot boxes.<br><br>**Enhanced Security Measures**<br><br>The security situation was reinforced through the deployment of additional national troops and police, supported logistically by MINUSCA. The mission also provided Central African armed forces and internal security personnel with vehicles and motorcycles to reach remote and isolated areas.<br><br>In a press conference in Bangui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for CAR, Valentine Rugwabiza, expressed satisfaction at the successful fulfillment of the mission's mandate despite operating in a challenging environment.<br><br>**Condemnation of Incident in Haut-Mbomou**<br><br>Ms. Rugwabiza strongly condemned an attack in Bambouti, Haut-Mbomou prefecture, which prevented voting from taking place due to insecurity. The attack was carried out by the Azandé Ani Kpi Gbe (AAKG) armed group and involved hostage-taking.<br><br>**Preliminary Results Expected on January 5**<br><br>The National Elections Authority (NEA) is expected to announce the preliminary results of the presidential election on January 5, marking a significant milestone in CAR's democratic journey.<br><br>As the country moves forward, it is essential that the international community continues to support CAR's efforts towards peace and stability. By doing so, we can help create an environment conducive to inclusive and accessible technology design, revolutionizing the way we approach innovation in the years to come.
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