As the Central African Republic (CAR) prepares for general elections on December 28, political scientist Cletus Suhfree has warned that the polls risk being “a show, not substance,” due to persistent insecurity, religious tensions, and weak voter participation.
Electoral materials have already arrived in the country, handed over by United Nations Deputy Special Representative Mohamed Ag Ayoya to the President of the National Elections Authority, Mathias Barthélemy Morouba, who assured that all materials would be deployed nationwide in time for the vote.
Suhfree highlighted that while more than 15 political parties, including incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Union for Progress and Renewal, are contesting the elections, the political environment remains fraught. Opposition coalitions include former President François Bozizé and other key figures, but low voter registration, less than 25% of eligible citizens, and tens of thousands of internally displaced people cast doubt on the elections’ credibility.
Security threats remain acute, with remnants of the Coalition of Patriots for Change and other armed groups previously disrupting polls, displacing thousands, and targeting civilians. Religious violence between Christian and Muslim communities further complicates efforts to hold free and fair elections.
Suhfree also criticised the role of regional and international actors, including Economic Community of West African States, the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, and countries such as China, France, Russia, and the United States. “Many external actors pursue their own agendas, prioritising strategic interests over the needs of Central African citizens,” he said.
Despite the warnings, the CAR moves forward with elections seen as a critical step for stability, even as analysts caution that structural and security challenges could overshadow the democratic process.
–ChannelAfrica–
