This Sunday, the Central African Republic will conduct a pivotal series of four votes, including the presidential race, parliament, and municipal offices.
A Crowded Race for the Presidency
A field of seven contenders are competing for the top office, including ex-premiers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. The two were given approval to run by the high court after initial bans. Dologuélé finished second in the last two elections, while Dondra briefly served under the current president.
Challengers' Strategy and Public Discontent
The challengers hopes to capitalize on widespread discontent in a country where conflict remains a daily reality. More than half a million people are internally displaced, with a similar number living as exiles in neighbouring countries.
"This represents an chance to commend the remarkable recovery of the nation," said a UN regional official, though he added that obstacles persist.
Touadéra's Expected Victory
Despite the competition, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a one-time academic, is largely predicted to secure another term. He transitioned into politics in 2008 when appointed prime minister, holding the post until a rebel coalition overthrew the government in 2013, triggering a civil war.
After a chaotic transition period, his reputation for impartiality from the warring factions powered his runoff win in 2016.
Election Risks and Voting Challenges
There are fears that supply-chain issues and insecurity could disrupt the vote, particularly in rural areas. The UN peacekeeping mission, Minusca, is providing protection and organizational aid that the state's crumbling infrastructure is unable to provide.
Additional problems involve the voter list being made available only digitally, a significant barrier in a country with limited internet access. These issues have led to an opposition boycott and could, as noted by analysts, "exclude many of the electorate."
Stakes of a Third Term
Many citizens worry that another term for Touadéra—enabled by a 2023 charter change that scrapped term limits and lengthened mandates—would mean greater influence for foreign actors.
The president has put faith in the Russian mercenary group Wagner for his protection, and despite its founder's death, has resisted calls to fold its fighters into a successor entity. In contrast, Rwanda has pursued a different approach, focusing on commercial ventures within CAR.
Allegations of Asset Sales
Recent reports have claimed the government evicted its own soldiers from a World Bank-funded facility to accommodate a foreign-run livestock operation. A critical commentary charged the leadership of being "intent on sell off the nation bit by bit."
Despite a newly signed agreement with rebel groups offering a glimmer of stabilization, the election moves forward under a cloud of uncertainty and external rivalry.
