Content_paragraphs:  The courage demonstrated by the people of the Central African Republic when 
  
  they cast their ballots on 27 December provides hope for the country’s fragile 
  
  democracy. Citizens who were not obstructed by disenfranchisement or violence 
  
  fulfilled their fundamental civic responsibility, sometimes at a grievously high cost. 
  
  In doing so, many braved insecurity, violence and threats. I salute in particular the 
  
  Central African women who insisted on contributing to the electoral process despite 
  
  systemic and other obstacles.