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Touadéra secures third term in disputed election
Faustin-Archange Touadéra has won a third term as president of the Central African Republic (CAR) after preliminary results showed he secured 76% of the vote in last month's election, the national electoral commission announced on Monday.
Opposition boycott and allegations of fraud
The election, held on 28 December, was boycotted by the main opposition coalition, the BRDC, which cited concerns over fairness. Two of Touadéra's closest rivals, former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra, have called for the results to be annulled, alleging widespread irregularities and fraud.
Dologuélé claimed on Friday that there had been "a methodical attempt to manipulate" the outcome. The government has denied the allegations, and the Constitutional Court has until 20 January to rule on any challenges and declare the final results.
Election logistics and turnout
Over 2.4 million people registered to vote in the election, which observers described as largely peaceful despite logistical issues, including delays caused by the late arrival of voting materials and problems with the electoral register.
Touadéra's controversial bid for re-election
The 68-year-old former mathematics professor first came to power in 2016, following a period of instability after rebels seized control in 2013. His re-election bid was made possible by a 2023 constitutional amendment that removed term limits, a move that drew heavy criticism from opponents.
Touadéra campaigned on his security record, highlighting efforts to stabilize the country with the help of Russian mercenaries and Rwandan soldiers. However, analysts warn that his victory could strengthen Russia's influence in the CAR, where the Wagner Group has been active in providing security in exchange for access to resources like gold and diamonds.
Challenges ahead for the CAR
The CAR remains one of Africa's poorest and most unstable nations, despite its wealth in resources such as diamonds and uranium. The UN estimates that about half of the population depends on humanitarian aid.
A 2019 peace deal between the government and 14 armed groups helped reduce tensions, though six of those groups later withdrew from the agreement. The country has struggled with conflict since rebels ousted then-President François Bozizé in 2013.
Next steps
The Constitutional Court is expected to review any challenges to the election results before issuing a final decision by 20 January. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have vowed to continue contesting the outcome.
