Elections in the Central African Republic have been postponed by three days after officials said they needed extra time to organize the vote.

The polls for president and parliament were scheduled for Sunday.  But sources in the country’s National Election Authority tell VOA (French to Africa Service) that the polls have been moved to Wednesday, December 30.

About 1.7 million people are registered to vote but officials said this week they have to distributed ballots and most voter cards.

The polls are meant to restore democratic rule to the C.A.R., nearly three years after rebels overthrew former president Francois Bozize.   There is concern the polls might need to be postponed again due to sporadic inter-religious violence and the Christmas holiday.

Officials have said they have limited means to protect voters, especially outside the capital.

French and U.N. peacekeepers helped to safeguard polling sites in a constitutional referendum earlier this month.

Voters in that election overwhelmingly approved reforms that limit the president to two five-year terms, cut the power of the military and strengthen protections for religious freedom.

 
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