Voters in the Central African Republic (CAR) headed to the polls on Sunday in nationwide elections that could see President Faustin-Archange Touadera secure a third term in office, following constitutional changes that removed presidential term limits.
Polling stations opened at 6:00 a.m. in the capital, Bangui, and across other parts of the country, with voting scheduled to end at 6:00 p.m. Nearly 2.4 million citizens are registered to participate in the elections, which include presidential, legislative, regional and municipal contests. Provisional presidential results are expected by January 5.
Touadera Seeks Third Term
President Touadera, 68, is widely seen as the frontrunner. He oversaw a constitutional referendum in 2023 that abolished the two-term presidential limit, a move strongly criticised by opposition figures and civil society groups who accused him of entrenching himself in power.
Touadera has campaigned on what his supporters describe as improved security conditions, crediting assistance from Russian-linked mercenaries and Rwandan troops for restoring relative stability after years of conflict.
A victory for Touadera would likely deepen CAR’s ties with Russia, which has provided military support in exchange for access to natural resources, including gold and diamonds. The government has also signalled openness to foreign investment in lithium and uranium reserves.
Opposition Raises Concerns
Six candidates are challenging Touadera, including former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuele and Henri-Marie Dondra. Both men survived legal attempts to disqualify them over alleged foreign citizenship, remaining on the ballot after court rulings.
Opposition figures argue that the electoral environment favours the incumbent. Speaking to Reuters earlier in the week, Dondra said the campaign was conducted on an “unbalanced” playing field, citing limited access to resources and restrictions on movement.
Human Rights Watch last month accused authorities of administrative actions that disproportionately affected opposition candidates while benefiting Touadera’s United Hearts Party.
Voter Sentiment Mixed
At polling stations in Bangui, voters expressed differing views. Some, like shopkeeper Beatrice Mokonzapa, said security had improved and credited the president for restoring calm after years of violence. Others, including teacher Albert Komifea, said they were voting for change and accused the government of undermining fair competition.
Security Backdrop
CAR has endured prolonged instability since 2013, with armed groups controlling large parts of the country. Touadera’s government signed several peace agreements with rebel factions this year, improving security in some areas. However, analysts warn that the situation remains fragile, citing incomplete disarmament and renewed instability linked to fighters crossing from neighbouring Sudan.
Russia’s Wagner group first deployed to CAR in 2018, while Rwanda sent troops in 2020 to help prevent rebels from overrunning Bangui during elections that were disrupted in about 14% of polling stations nationwide.
What Happens Next
• A presidential runoff will be held on February 15 if no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote.
• Legislative runoffs are scheduled for April 5.
• Risk consultancy Pangea-Risk has warned of a high likelihood of post-election tensions if the opposition contests an expected Touadera victory.
International attention remains focused on the process. While the United Nations recently extended its peacekeeping mandate and lifted arms and diamond export embargoes, the United States opposed the latest extension, calling for a faster transition of security responsibilities to national authorities.
Observers say a peaceful and credible vote could strengthen Touadera’s claims of restoring stability, while disputed results could reignite political and security tensions.
Source: Africa Publicity
