CAR Prepares for the Voting Stations as President Pursues a Third Stint in Office
This Sunday, the Central African Republic will undertake a significant quadruple election, including the presidential race, parliament, and local positions.
A Crowded Race for the Presidency
A field of seven contenders are vying for the presidency, including ex-premiers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. Both men were given approval to run by the high court after being initially barred. Dologuélé was the runner-up in the 2015 and 2020 votes, while Dondra had a short tenure under the incumbent.
Opposition Hopes and Public Discontent
The challengers hopes to capitalize on widespread discontent in a country where conflict remains a constant threat. Over half a million people are displaced within their own country, with a comparable figure living as exiles in bordering states.
"This is an opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable recovery of the country," noted a UN regional official, though he added that challenges remain.
Touadéra's Expected Victory
Despite the challenges, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a one-time academic, is widely expected to extend his run. He transitioned into politics in 2008 when appointed prime minister, serving until a rebel coalition overthrew the government in 2013, triggering a civil war.
After a chaotic transition period, his reputation for impartiality from the main militias powered his runoff win in 2016.
Security Concerns and Voting Challenges
Concerns persist that supply-chain issues and violence could disrupt the vote, particularly in rural areas. The UN peacekeeping mission, Minusca, is providing protection and organizational aid that the country's weak systems is unable to provide.
Further issues include the electoral roll being published only online, a major hurdle in a nation with scarce online access. These irregularities have prompted an electoral boycott and could, as noted by analysts, "exclude many of the population."
Stakes of a Third Term
Many citizens fear that another term for Touadéra—enabled by a 2023 constitutional referendum that abolished term limits and extended mandates—would entail 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 fold its fighters into a new structure. In contrast, Rwanda has taken a different approach, focusing on business interests within CAR.
Claims of National Disposal
Recent reports have claimed the government evicted its own soldiers from a internationally financed facility to accommodate a foreign-run livestock operation. A critical commentary accused the leadership of being "intent on dispose of the nation piece by piece."
Amid a recent peace accord with armed factions offering hope of calm, the vote proceeds under a shadow of doubt and external rivalry.
