Political commission proposes new electoral calendar

The political and diplomatic commission of the ongoing political talks designed to bring about reconciliation in the Central African Republic (CAR) has recommended the revision of the initial electoral calendar for the transitional period. In its report, presented to the 350 delegates for comments, amendments and adoption, the commission recommended that the electoral law be revised between October and December 2003; that the electoral list be revised between December 2003 and March 2004; that a constitutional referendum be held in September 2004; and that a general election be held between November 2004 and April 2005. The previous calendar announced by the current head of state, Francois Bozize, provided for a constitutional referendum in mid-2004, presidential election in the third quarter of 2004 and municipal and legislative elections in the last quarter of the same year. Bozize announced that the transition, which started on 15 March when he overthrew President Ange-Felix Patasse, would end in January 2005. The 69-member commission examined other issues such as the roles of the future president and prime minister, reform of the judicial system, human rights, press freedom, reform of the administration, and diplomatic issues. The commission is headed by Justice Zacharie Ndouba, who chaired the criminal court that tried about 800 accused of involvement in the May 2001 coup by former President Andre Kolingba. The commission noted that the judicial system had been characterised by politically motivated decisions. It recommended that 15 more courts of first instance be constructed in the provinces and that special jails for women and children also be built. It said a national conference on the judicial system should be organised to examine in detail all the system's problems. Regarding human rights, the commission said all those responsible for rights violations should be brought to justice and that human rights defenders should get special protection. It also called for the ratification of the status of the African Court of Human and Peoples' Rights. Turning to diplomatic issues, the commission recommended that a new diplomatic map be drawn and that CAR missions endeavour to restore the nation's credibility tarnished by the repeated political, military and social crises of the last six years. The commission called for the revival of all joint commissions with neighbouring countries. The political and diplomatic commission was the fourth commission to present its report to the plenary session after the ones on education and social affairs; economy and finances; and defence and security. The commission on truth and reconciliation is expected to present its report after the political commission. The talks, which started on 15 September, are due to end on 6 October with final recommendations to the government.