Voters in the Central African Republic (CAR) headed to the polls on Sunday in a pivotal national election, with incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadera seeking a controversial third term. The 68-year-old leader is campaigning on a platform of improved security, achieved with the assistance of Russian mercenaries and Rwandan soldiers, in a nation long plagued by instability.
A Controversial Bid for Extended Power
The path to this election was cleared by a constitutional referendum in 2023, orchestrated by Touadera, which abolished presidential term limits. This move drew sharp criticism from opponents and watchdogs who accused him of aiming for lifelong rule. Nearly 2.4 million registered voters were eligible to cast ballots for presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal positions.
Polling stations in the capital, Bangui, opened at 6 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and were scheduled to close at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT). Provisional results are anticipated by January 5. If no presidential candidate secures over 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held on February 15.
An Unlevel Playing Field for the Opposition
Touadera faces a field of six challengers, led by former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuele and Henri-Marie Dondra. However, analysts widely consider the incumbent the favorite, citing his control over state institutions and superior campaign resources. Both leading opponents faced attempts by Touadera's supporters to have them disqualified over claims of holding foreign citizenship, though they remained on the ballot.
Human Rights Watch noted last month that these challenges fit a pattern of "administrative manoeuvring" that hinders opposition figures while benefiting the ruling United Hearts Party. Dondra told Reuters the campaign was "unbalanced," limiting his ability to travel compared to the president.
Security: The Central Campaign Issue
The election's dominant theme is security. In 2018, CAR became the first in West and Central Africa to deploy Russia's Wagner mercenary group, a model later followed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Rwandan troops were also deployed in 2020 to bolster Touadera's government against rebel threats.
While Touadera has signed peace deals with rebel groups this year, fostering a more stable environment, these gains are fragile. Rebels have not fully disarmed, and incursions from neighboring Sudan continue to fuel insecurity in the east. For some voters, like shopkeeper Beatrice Mokonzapa, the current stability is paramount. "We have security today. I hope it continues. And for that, President Touadera is best placed to guarantee our security," she said after voting.
Conversely, teacher Albert Komifea expressed a desire for change, alleging that the opposition had been systematically hindered from campaigning effectively.
Regional and International Stakes
A Touadera victory is expected to further entrench Russian influence in the resource-rich nation, where security assistance has been exchanged for access to gold and diamonds. The president has also offered access to the country's lithium and uranium reserves.
The risk of post-election unrest is considered high, with opponents likely to challenge an expected Touadera win. However, a smooth electoral process could strengthen his claim of returning stability, a narrative supported by the UN Security Council's 2023 decision to lift an arms embargo and a separate diamond export ban. The UN peacekeeping mission's mandate was recently extended, despite U.S. objections calling for a shorter extension and a handover of security responsibilities to Bangui.
