4 candidates to run for Central African Republic speaker

Four candidates have shown interest in the position of the speaker of Central African Republic's National Transition Council (the interim parliament), which is expected to meet on Monday in the capital Bangui.The elections of the speaker on Monday comes after the 105 members of the transition council on Saturday unanimously endorsed Michel Djotodia, the leader of the Seleka rebel coalition, as the country's transition president for the next 18 months.Without any competitor, the country's new strongman, Djotodia, was elected during an express session, which was also the first for the National Transition Council in replacement of the Supreme Transition Council created on April 6.The four candidates include Patrick Dejean, who is the chairman of the Central African Republic's Interprofessional Group; Francois Xavier Yombandje, who is a former bishop of the Bosangoa diocese for the Catholic church; Alexandre Guendet of the Rally for the Republic (RPR, a political party); and Marie-Noelle Andre Koyara, who is the representative of women organizations.Following the rejection of Djotodia as the president of Central African Republic by the summit of the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC) held in Chadian capital N'Djamena on April 3, his election by the organ was assumed to give him legitimacy.However, after suspended by the African Union, Central African Republic will not be readmitted by the continental body and the international community until after the election of new leaders after the 18-month transition.Seleka seized power on March 24, toppling President Francois Bozize, who has been in exile abroad ever since. The takeover is seen as a coup by African countries.