Lawmakers in the Central African Republic have shortlisted eight candidates, including two sons of former presidents, to become interim leader and pull the country out of months of turmoil and factional killings.
The members of a transitional assembly are to select one as president on Monday after former leader Michel Djotodia resigned under international pressure over his failure to end the bloodshed.
Among eight candidates selected from an initial field of 24 are Sylvain Patasse, whose father was the country’s only democratically elected leader and governed from 1993 to 2003.
Also chosen was Desire Zanga-Kolingba, whose father took power in a coup and ruled from 1981 to 1993. The current mayor of Bangui, Catherine Samba-Panza, is also in the running as is a second female candidate, Regina Konzi-Mongo.
Excluded from standing for president are any political officials who worked for Djotodia, party leaders, active soldiers and anyone who has belonged to a militia or rebel group in the last 20 years.
Source-Voice Of America
