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C.A.R. to Hold Elections December 27


War-torn Central African Republic has set December 27 as the new date for presidential and legislative elections.

Officials say a second round of polls would be held if necessary on January 31.

The vote will be preceded by a December 13 referendum on proposed changes to the constitution, including a clause that would limit future presidents to two five-year terms in office.

Elections were originally scheduled for mid-October but were pushed back because of a new outbreak of violence in the capital, Bangui.

The international community has pushed officials to hold elections this year in hopes of restoring stability to the C.A.R.

The country has endured nearly three years of chaos and inter-religious violence since a mostly Muslim rebel group, the Seleka, overthrew President Francois Bozize in March of 2013.

Killings by the Seleka triggered the rise of mainly Christian militias known as the anti-Balaka.

Under pressure, the Seleka handed power to a transitional government led by interim president Catherine Samba-Panza. The mandate of the government expires in January.

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