Publication of election results in Central African Republic has been halted after strike at National Election Authority over unpaid wages.
Municipal, regional, parliamentary and presidential elections on December 28 restored political normality despite fragile security following civil war era years.
Results of second round municipal, regional and parliamentary elections held April 26 were due for announcement Monday but delayed now.
IT specialists at ANE data processing centre refuse to publish results until they receive two months unpaid salary arrears payment.
Staff say widespread backlog across ANE operations, describing delays as frequent but never this severe in institutional memory record breaking.
Non-payment of salaries is common in Central African Republic public sector, one of the world’s poorest countries economically fragile state.
Public sector strikes have repeatedly occurred, including among teachers and administrative personnel demanding consistent salary payments nationwide across institutions countrywide.
Nearly 70 constituencies awaited results from second round, with candidates including Anicet-Georges Dologuele awaiting strike resolution political uncertainty grows nationwide.
Ruling United Hearts Movement won 50 seats in first round held December 28, while 20 went to independents and groups.
According to 2023 constitution, National Assembly comprises 144 lawmakers, each serving seven-year terms within redesigned political framework institutional governance system.