At a Glance
- 2.4 million voters cast ballots in CAR’s first combined national election.
- Incumbent Faustin Archange Touadéra is poised for a third term amid Russian support.
- Russia’s Wagner mercenaries are at the center of a security-political debate.
- Why it matters: The outcome will shape CAR’s fragile stability and Russia’s influence in Central Africa.
On Sunday, the Central African Republic held its most extensive election yet, combining presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal ballots. With 2.4 million registered voters, the contest pits incumbent President Faustin Archange Touadéra against a field of six challengers, including former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra.
Election Dynamics
Touadéra, a close ally of Russia, is expected to win a third term, consolidating Russian security and economic interests in the country. Analysts note that the absence of the main opposition coalition, the Republican Bloc for the Defense of the Constitution, leaves him with little competition.
- Anicet-Georges Dologuélé – former prime minister
- Henri-Marie Dondra – former prime minister
- Six other candidates
Voting Experience
Voting began an hour late in some polling stations in Bangui, and voters reported difficulties finding their names on the electoral rolls.
Barthélemy Wadenguende stated:
> “When we arrived, no one was ready. With these delays, we risk voting until 8 p.m.”
Security and Logistics
The United Nations peacekeeping mission MINUSCA, with about 14,000 military personnel and 3,000 police officers, is guarding election sites. The mission was extended for a year by the UN Security Council but will scale down due to budget constraints.
| MINUSCA Component | Personnel |
|---|---|
| Military | 14,000 |
| Police | 3,000 |
Lewis Mudge remarked:
> “Because of the peace deals, United Nations peacekeeping efforts and security support from Wagner and from the Rwandans, the country is in a more secure place than it was during the last electoral cycle in 2020.”
Political Stakes
Touadéra’s campaign focuses on peace, stability, and economic recovery for a 5.5 million-person population still scarred by conflict. He said, “Our country has suffered greatly from brutal regime changes, a cycle that repeats itself every ten years. I call on the people of the Central African Republic to choose the stability of institutions and a prosperous Central African Republic.”
Anicet-Georges Dologuélé added:
> “President Touadéra destroyed everything. Our programme is a solid summary to get the country out of poverty. What country is this that produces nothing and exports almost nothing, except beer? We must revive the economy.”
Key Takeaways
- Touadéra is the clear favorite for a third term, backed by Russian allies.
- The election marks the first combined national vote in CAR, involving 2.4 million voters.
- Security support from MINUSCA and Russian mercenaries is pivotal to the election process.
The vote will decide whether the Central African Republic continues its fragile path toward stability or faces new challenges in the weeks ahead.
