A nervous calm prevails as the Central African Republic awaits the final round of presidential elections due to take place in early February. Renewed outbreaks of inter-communal violence since September is keeping the population on edge, with many fearing a flare-up of tension at any moment. The worsening security situation has also crushed hopes for the 450,000 internally displaced people - and a similar number of refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries - of returning home anytime soon.