President of Central African Republic creates committee to draft new constitution

The president of the Central African Republic (CAR), Faustin Archange Touadéra, has signed this Friday a decree to create a committee in charge of drafting a new constitution for the country.

The current Constitution prohibits the head of state from running for a third term, indicates Radio France International (RFI). Currently, the president was elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, after elections disputed by the opposition.

The commission–composed of 53 members drawn from the Parliament, the Presidency and other public authorities–has “the mission of drafting the draft Constitution of the Central African Republic.”

Among the tasks incumbent on this working group, the elaboration and approval of the internal rules of procedure, as well as the approval of the budget for its work, stand out. In addition, it will have to “listen to the vital forces of the nation on constitutional matters, submit related texts to the President of the Republic, and draw up reports on its mission”, according to the second article of the decree.

Thus, Touadéra pointed out that there will be six representatives of the public authorities; seven from the National Assembly, one from the Economic and Social Council, one from the Communication Council, one from the Ministry of Good Governance. There will also be a representative of the National Mediation Council and of the political parties – four from the majority, four from the democratic opposition and two from the center.

There will also be three representatives from the diaspora on the continents, as well as from trade unions or NGOs. Three members will come from religious groups, while two will be from the National Youth Council, a couple from women’s organizations, another person from the Human Rights Organization.

The committee will be composed of a chairman, three vice-chairmen, a general rapporteur (with two assistants).