CAR Prepares for the Voting Stations as Incumbent Pursues a Third Term
On Sunday, the nation of CAR will undertake a crucial series of four votes, including the presidential race, parliament, and local offices.
A Competitive Race for the Presidency
Seven candidates are competing for the top office, among them former prime ministers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. The two were given approval to stand by the constitutional court after initial bans. Dologuélé finished second in the last two elections, while Dondra had a short tenure under the current president.
Challengers' Strategy and Public Discontent
The opposition hopes to capitalize on widespread frustration in a country where violence remains a constant threat. Over half a million people are internally displaced, with a similar number living as exiles in neighbouring countries.
"This is an opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable recovery of the country," said a UN regional official, though he added that challenges remain.
The Incumbent's Path
Despite the competition, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a former mathematics professor, is widely expected to secure another term. He transitioned into politics in 2008 when appointed prime minister, serving until a rebel coalition toppled the government in 2013, triggering a civil war.
After a chaotic transition period, his reputation for neutrality from the main militias fueled his second-round victory in 2016.
Election Risks and Logistical Hurdles
There are fears that logistical problems and violence could disrupt the electoral process, especially in rural areas. The UN peacekeeping mission, Minusca, is providing security and logistical support that the country's weak systems is unable to provide.
Further issues involve the voter list being published only online, a major hurdle in a nation with scarce online access. These issues have prompted an electoral boycott and could, as noted by analysts, "disenfranchise large segments of the electorate."
Stakes of a Third Term
Many residents fear that another term for Touadéra—made possible by a 2023 charter change that scrapped term limits and extended mandates—would mean expanded sway for foreign actors.
The president has relied on the Russian mercenary group Wagner for personal security, and even after its founder's death, has resisted calls to fold its fighters into a successor entity. Meanwhile, Rwanda has taken a different approach, focusing on commercial interests within CAR.
Claims of National Disposal
Recent reports have stated the government evicted its own soldiers from a internationally financed facility to accommodate a Rwandan agricultural project. A critical commentary accused the leadership of being "determined to sell off the country bit by bit."
Despite a newly signed agreement with armed factions offering a glimmer of stabilization, the election proceeds under a shadow of doubt and geopolitical rivalry.
