CAR Goes to the Polls as Incumbent Aims for a Third Mandate
This Sunday, the Central African Republic will undertake a pivotal quadruple election, encompassing the presidential race, parliament, and municipal seats.
A Crowded Presidential Field
A field of seven contenders are competing for the top office, including ex-premiers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. Both men were given approval to run by the high court after being initially barred. Dologuélé was the runner-up in the 2015 and 2020 votes, while Dondra had a short tenure under the current president.
Challengers' Strategy and Voter Frustrations
The challengers aims 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 opportunity to acknowledge the significant progress of the nation," said a UN regional official, though he added that obstacles persist.
Touadéra's Expected Victory
Despite the challenges, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a one-time academic, is widely expected to secure another term. He transitioned into politics in 2008 when named prime minister, holding the post until a insurgent alliance overthrew the government in 2013, sparking a sectarian conflict.
After a turbulent transition period, his reputation for neutrality from the warring factions powered his second-round victory in 2016.
Security Concerns and Logistical Hurdles
There are fears that supply-chain issues and insecurity could disrupt the vote, especially in rural areas. The UN peacekeeping mission, Minusca, is providing security and logistical support that the state's crumbling infrastructure cannot manage.
Further issues involve the voter list being published only online, a significant barrier in a country with scarce online access. These issues have prompted an opposition boycott and could, as noted by analysts, "disenfranchise large segments of the population."
Implications of Extended Rule
Many citizens worry that another term for Touadéra—made possible by a 2023 constitutional referendum that scrapped term limits and extended mandates—would mean expanded sway for foreign actors.
The president has put faith in the private military group Wagner for personal security, and despite its founder's death, has pushed back against calls to integrate its fighters into a successor entity. In contrast, Rwanda has taken a separate strategy, focusing on commercial ventures within CAR.
Claims of National Disposal
Recent reports have claimed the administration removed its own soldiers from a World Bank-funded training centre to accommodate a Rwandan livestock operation. A pro-opposition commentary accused the leadership of being "intent on dispose of the country piece by piece."
Despite a recent peace accord with rebel groups offering hope of stabilization, the election moves forward under a shadow of doubt and geopolitical competition.