Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera is running for a third term in the national elections, which are taking place on Sunday. He emphasizes improvements in security achieved with assistance from Russian mercenaries and Rwandan soldiers. At 68, Touadera held a constitutional referendum in 2023 that removed presidential term limits, leading to criticism that he aims to stay in power indefinitely. A win for Touadera, which is anticipated, would likely benefit Russia, which has exchanged security support for access to the country’s natural resources, including gold, diamonds, lithium, and uranium.
Polling stations began opening at 6 a.m. and are set to close at 6 p.m., with provisional results expected by January 5. Nearly 2.4 million voters are registered. Voters, like shopkeeper Beatrice Mokonzapa, express hope for continued security under Touadera, citing improvements despite previous conflicts.
Touadera faces opposition from six candidates led by former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuele and Henri-Marie Dondra, both of whom survived efforts to disqualify them. Analysts believe Touadera holds the advantage due to his control over state resources and institutions. Dondra described the political environment as “unbalanced,” highlighting difficulties in campaigning.
The involvement of Russia and Rwanda began in 2018 when Russia’s Wagner Group was invited to the country, followed by Rwandan troops to support Touadera’s government against rebels. Although peace deals were signed, security remains fragile, with rebels not fully disarmed and ongoing threats from combatants in Sudan.
In addition to the presidential race, the elections will decide various legislative, regional, and municipal positions. If no presidential candidate secures over 50% of the vote, a runoff is planned for February 15, with legislative runoffs on April 5. Risks of unrest are high as the opposition may contest Touadera’s likely victory. A successful voting process could bolster his claims of improving stability in the country, supported by recent U. N. actions concerning arms and diamond export regulations.
With information from Reuters
