CAR head told to stand in ballot

There is international pressure on Bozize to hold elections

Thousands of supporters of Central African Republic President Francois Bozize have held a rally in Bangui to call on him to stand in elections.

President Bozize took power in March 2003 after his supporters seized control from the then President Ange-Felix Patasse.

The former army head pledged democratic elections in 2005 but always said he would not put himself forward.

However, on Saturday he told the crowds his candidature might be "possible".

Parliament disbanded

Demonstrators walked from the centre of Bangui to the presidential palace where a petition was handed to Mr Bozize calling for him to stand.

Police estimated that 20,000 people took part in the procession.

Mr Bozize abolished the constitution and parliament on seizing control, which won him condemnation from Western countries, financial institutions and the African Union, as well as from people at home.

But after raising money to pay public sector salary arrears, he won support from large sections of the population.

He has delayed the date of the impending vote, saying conditions in the country had not improved enough for the ballot to be held.

Although the capital Bangui is relatively peaceful, large parts of the country remain acutely unstable.