🔗 Share this article

On Sunday, the Central African Republic will conduct a pivotal quadruple election, including the presidential race, national assembly, and municipal offices.

A Competitive Race for the Presidency

A field of seven contenders are competing for the top office, including former prime ministers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. Both men were cleared to run by the constitutional court after initial bans. Dologuélé was the runner-up in the 2015 and 2020 votes, while Dondra had a short tenure under the incumbent.

Challengers' Strategy and Public Discontent

The challengers hopes to capitalize on widespread frustration in a country where violence remains a daily reality. More than half a million people are displaced within their own country, with a similar number living as refugees in bordering states.

"This is an chance to commend the remarkable recovery of the nation," noted a senior UN diplomat, adding that obstacles persist.

The Incumbent's Path

Despite the challenges, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a former mathematics professor, is largely predicted to extend his run. He first entered politics in 2008 when appointed prime minister, serving until a rebel coalition overthrew the government in 2013, triggering a civil war.

After a turbulent transition period, his reputation for neutrality from the main militias powered his second-round victory in 2016.

Election Risks and Logistical Hurdles

There are fears that logistical problems and insecurity could mar the vote, particularly in the countryside. The UN peacekeeping mission, Minusca, is providing security and logistical support that the state's crumbling infrastructure is unable to provide.

Additional problems involve the electoral roll being published only online, a major hurdle in a nation with scarce online access. These issues have prompted an electoral boycott and could, according to observers, "exclude many of the population."

Stakes of a Third Term

Many citizens worry that another term for Touadéra—enabled by a 2023 charter change that scrapped term limits and extended mandates—would mean expanded sway for outside interests.

The president has relied on the Russian mercenary group Wagner for personal security, and despite its founder's death, has resisted calls to integrate its fighters into a new structure. In contrast, Rwanda has taken a different approach, focusing on business ventures within CAR.

Allegations of Asset Sales

Allegations have stated the administration removed its own soldiers from a internationally financed facility to accommodate a Rwandan livestock operation. A pro-opposition editorial accused the leadership of being "determined to sell off the country piece by piece."

Amid a newly signed agreement with rebel groups offering a glimmer of calm, the vote moves forward under a cloud of uncertainty and geopolitical rivalry.