CAR Goes to the Voting Stations as Incumbent Seeks a Third Mandate
On Sunday, the Central African Republic will conduct a pivotal quadruple election, including the presidency, national assembly, and municipal seats.
A Competitive Presidential Field
Seven candidates are vying for the top office, including ex-premiers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. Both men were cleared to run by the high court after initial bans. Dologuélé was the runner-up in the 2015 and 2020 votes, while Dondra briefly served under the current president.
Opposition Hopes and Voter Frustrations
The opposition aims to capitalize on widespread frustration in a nation where conflict remains a daily reality. More than half a million people are internally displaced, with a comparable figure living as refugees in neighbouring countries.
"This represents an chance to acknowledge the remarkable recovery of the country," said a UN regional official, adding that obstacles remain.
The Incumbent's Path
Despite the challenges, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a former mathematics professor, is largely predicted to extend his run. He transitioned into politics in 2008 when named prime minister, serving until a insurgent alliance toppled the government in 2013, sparking a sectarian conflict.
After a chaotic three-year interim, his reputation for neutrality from the warring factions fueled his second-round victory in 2016.
Election Risks and Voting Challenges
There are fears that logistical problems and insecurity could disrupt the electoral process, particularly in the countryside. The UN peacekeeping mission, Minusca, is offering protection and logistical support that the country's weak systems cannot manage.
Further issues involve the electoral roll being published only online, a major hurdle in a country with limited internet access. These irregularities have led to an electoral boycott and could, as noted by analysts, "disenfranchise large segments of the electorate."
Implications of Extended Rule
Many residents fear that another term for Touadéra—enabled by a 2023 constitutional referendum that abolished term limits and extended mandates—would entail expanded sway for foreign actors.
The president has relied on the Russian mercenary group Wagner for personal security, and even after its founder's death, has pushed back against calls to fold its fighters into a successor entity. Meanwhile, Rwanda has pursued a separate strategy, focusing on commercial interests within CAR.
Allegations of Asset Sales
Recent reports have claimed the government removed its own soldiers from a internationally financed training centre to make way for a Rwandan agricultural project. A critical commentary accused the leadership of being "determined to dispose of the nation piece by piece."
Amid a newly signed agreement with rebel groups offering hope of calm, the vote moves forward under a shadow of uncertainty and geopolitical rivalry.
