Central African Republic Holds Quadruple Elections Amid Security Concerns and Presidential Third Term Bid
The Central African Republic (CAR) held a significant electoral event on Sunday, with up to 2.3 million registered voters participating in quadruple elections covering the presidency, parliament, local, and municipal levels.
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, in power since 2016, sought a third term following a 2023 constitutional referendum that extended presidential terms from five to seven years.
Seven presidential candidates contested the election, including former Prime Ministers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. Both were initially banned but subsequently cleared by the constitutional court to run. Notably, Dologuélé was the runner-up in the 2015 and 2020 presidential races.
The electoral environment remains complex due to ongoing conflict and displacement, with more than 500,000 internally displaced persons and approximately 500,000 refugees in the country. The United Nations peacekeeping mission, Minusca, which was renewed through the next year, continues to provide security and logistical support.
Concerns over election irregularities surfaced, with reports that the voter list was only published online, raising fears of disenfranchisement among certain population segments. Moreover, opposition parties have considered boycotting the elections.
Security dynamics also involve significant foreign influence. President Touadéra relies on the Russian mercenary group Wagner, reflecting Russia’s notable influence in the country. Rwanda participates in border security operations and a livestock farming initiative. There were reports indicating the eviction of government soldiers to accommodate Rwandan troops.
Efforts toward peace include a key accord signed in April with major rebel groups, viewed as progress by the United Nations official Abdou Abarry and Human Rights Watch, though substantial challenges remain in fully stabilizing the nation.
