BANGUI, Central African Republic: The strife-torn nation of Central African Republic has begun accepting required information from candidates for the new transitional leader as the country descends toward anarchy and sectarian bloodshed.

Blaise Fleury Otto, of the national council now tasked with choosing the new leader, said Friday that candidates have until Saturday morning to submit their materials, including a birth certificate and certificate of nationality.

Former rebel leader Michel Djotodia stepped down as president a week ago and the selection for transitional leader is set to take place on Monday, he said.

John Ging, the director of UN humanitarian operations, warned Thursday that the bloodshed in Central African Republic could turn into a genocide if the international community doesn”t act to stop killings between Christians and Muslims.

“The stakes are extremely high,” Ging said after a four-day visit to the country. “The crisis has all the elements that we have seen elsewhere in places like Rwanda and Bosnia. The seeds are there for a genocide, there is no doubt.”

UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said Friday that “the extreme poverty, lack of governance, insecurity, and a range of complex political, religious and human rights issues have contributed to a major humanitarian crisis, which is also affecting the region.”

“Reports of atrocities and gross human rights violations have continued against civilians, including children, despite efforts to restore calm and a strengthened international military presence,” she said in a statement.

Some 900,000 people — nearly a fifth of the population — have been driven from their homes and half the population now needs humanitarian aid, she said.

Amos said the United Nations and humanitarian organizations urgently need $551 million to provide vital relief and protection to 1.9 million people across the country over the next three months.

Among the criteria for the new transitional leader: Candidates cannot take part if they have participated in a militia or an armed rebellion in the past 20 years. That caveat could eliminate many as the country has long been ravaged by coups and armed groups.