CAR Prepares for the Polls as President Seeks a Third Term
On Sunday, the Central African Republic will conduct a pivotal quadruple election, encompassing the presidency, parliament, and local seats.
A Competitive Presidential Field
Seven candidates are vying for the presidency, including former prime ministers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. Both men were given approval to run by the constitutional court after being initially barred. Dologuélé finished second in the 2015 and 2020 votes, while Dondra briefly served under the current president.
Opposition Hopes and Voter Frustrations
The opposition hopes to tap into widespread discontent in a country where violence remains a constant threat. Over half a million people are displaced within their own country, with a similar number living as refugees in bordering states.
"This is an opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable recovery of the nation," noted a UN regional official, adding that obstacles remain.
The Incumbent's Path
Despite the challenges, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a one-time academic, is widely expected to secure another term. He transitioned into politics in 2008 when appointed prime minister, serving until a insurgent alliance overthrew the government in 2013, sparking a sectarian conflict.
After a chaotic three-year interim, his reputation for neutrality from the main militias fueled his second-round victory in 2016.
Election Risks and Logistical Hurdles
Concerns persist that logistical problems and insecurity could disrupt the vote, particularly in rural areas. The UN peacekeeping mission, Minusca, is offering protection and organizational aid that the country's weak systems cannot manage.
Additional problems involve the electoral roll being made available only digitally, a major hurdle in a country with limited internet access. These irregularities have led to an opposition boycott and could, according to observers, "exclude many of the electorate."
Stakes of a Third Term
Many citizens fear that another term for Touadéra—made possible by a 2023 constitutional referendum that abolished term limits and lengthened mandates—would mean expanded sway for foreign actors.
The president has relied on the private military group Wagner for personal security, and even after its founder's death, has resisted calls to integrate its fighters into a successor entity. In contrast, Rwanda has taken a separate strategy, focusing on business ventures within CAR.
Claims of National Disposal
Allegations have stated the government evicted its own soldiers from a internationally financed training centre to accommodate a foreign-run livestock operation. A critical commentary charged the leadership of being "determined to sell off the country piece by piece."
Amid a newly signed agreement with armed factions offering hope of stabilization, the vote moves forward under a shadow of doubt and external competition.
