Shortly after the Central African Republic returned to civilian rule in 1986 with the enactment of the new constitution, the country held local elections in 1988. These played an important role in the creation of new municipal councils, 176 in total. Since then no new local elections were held making the local councils of a minimal factor of influence in the current government structure. The country is subdivided into 14 prefectures, 2 economic prefectures and 1 commune; the capital of Bangui. Mayors, the municipal council, sous-prefects and prefects heading these different divisions are all appointed by the president.
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The constitutional division and the limited responsibilities of local government officials are laid down in the constitution. Further legislation promoting local government was not implemented mostly due to the continuous political unrest in the country. The period between 1999 and 2008 was influenced by uprisings, disputed elections and continuous strife throughout society. In 2005 the United Nations Peace Building Commission was set up to work towards peace, security and the creation of a functioning stable government system. From 2005 onwards international mediation brought the conflicting parties closer together resulting in the Comprehensive Peace Accord of 2008.
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Before local government can play an active role in the Central African Republic, the national political situation must stabilize. Local government is however not neglected in the peace building process in which the reintegration of former combatants and humanitarian aid play a pivotal role. In the run up to the elections planned for 2010, several inter-ministerial comities were launched, one of these specifically aimed at decentralization and regionalization. These committees consisted of national and international delegations as well as aid organizations and aimed at the creation of a comprehensive set of recommendations and guidelines for a new, more democratic Central African Republic. In light of these democratic reforms the Ministère de l’Administration du Territoire et de la Décentralisation was founded. The planned 2010 elections were postponed several times and finally held in March 2011.
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