Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have recently made, if any, to international partners regarding the ways in which the international community can support democracy in the Central African Republic in view of their upcoming local elections in September.

It is important that local elections in Central African Republic (CAR), which have not been held since 1988, are credible and inclusive. We have regular conversations with international partners on a range of issues in CAR including elections. In May, British diplomats met members of the international community including the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA), and discussed local elections. The UK contributes approximately £40 million annually to MINUSCA, which continues to provide security across the country. MINUSCA also plays a role in election security.

The UK has a strong record of providing electoral support in CAR. During national elections in 2020-21, our £500,000 contribution to UNDP's elections fund supported procurement of critical election materials and greater participation of women and marginalised groups.