🔗 Share this article

This Sunday, the nation of CAR will undertake a crucial quadruple election, including the presidential race, parliament, and municipal seats.

A Crowded Presidential Field

Seven candidates are competing for the top office, including former prime ministers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. The two were given approval to run by the constitutional court after initial bans. Dologuélé was the runner-up in the last two elections, while Dondra briefly served under the incumbent.

Challengers' Strategy and Voter Frustrations

The challengers aims to capitalize on widespread discontent in a country where violence remains a daily reality. More than half a million people are internally displaced, with a similar number living as refugees in bordering states.

"This is an chance to acknowledge the significant progress of the country," noted a UN regional official, adding that obstacles persist.

Touadéra's Expected Victory

Despite the challenges, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a former mathematics professor, is largely predicted to secure another term. He transitioned into politics in 2008 when named prime minister, serving until a rebel coalition overthrew the government in 2013, triggering a sectarian conflict.

After a turbulent transition period, his reputation for impartiality from the main militias fueled his second-round victory in 2016.

Security Concerns and Logistical Hurdles

Concerns persist that supply-chain issues and insecurity could disrupt the vote, especially in rural areas. The UN stabilization force, Minusca, is providing security and organizational aid that the country's weak systems cannot manage.

Additional problems involve the electoral roll being published only online, a significant barrier in a nation with limited internet access. These irregularities have led to an electoral boycott and could, according to observers, "exclude many of the population."

Stakes of a Third Term

Many citizens fear that another term for Touadéra—made possible by a 2023 charter change that abolished term limits and extended mandates—would entail greater influence for foreign actors.

The president has put faith in the private military group Wagner for his protection, and even after its founder's death, has resisted calls to integrate its fighters into a successor entity. Meanwhile, Rwanda has pursued a separate strategy, focusing on commercial ventures within CAR.

Allegations of Asset Sales

Allegations have stated the administration evicted its own soldiers from a internationally financed training centre to make way for a Rwandan agricultural project. A critical commentary accused the leadership of being "intent on sell off the nation bit by bit."

Despite a newly signed agreement with armed factions offering hope of stabilization, the election proceeds under a cloud of doubt and geopolitical competition.