According to political analyst Jean Donald Taladzi, the Central African Republic (CAR) is heading into a highly volatile election period, with the main opposition parties boycotting the historic fourfold vote this Sunday, December 28, over concerns that the system favours the incumbent President.

Citizens will be voting for a President, members of parliament, and, for the first time in nearly 40 years, local municipal leaders. The 2023 constitutional amendment removing presidential term limits allows President Faustin Archange Touadéra to seek a third term, raising questions about fairness and credibility.

Although two major rivals, Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra, were recently cleared to run, analysts argue their late inclusion is largely symbolic and unlikely to alter the outcome. Taladzi says their candidacies mainly provide an appearance of competition rather than a genuine alternative for voters.

The tense political environment is compounded by ongoing insecurity and the presence of Russian paramilitaries, which cannot guarantee full stability. Active rebel movements remain a threat, leaving the population uncertain about the consequences of the opposition boycott and the broader electoral process.

The government’s decision to hold national and local elections simultaneously could improve local governance and save resources, but analysts caution that questions over fairness and transparency may limit these benefits.

With more than 70% of the population living in poverty and the country still struggling with a humanitarian crisis, experts warn that the elections could either provide a path to stability or exacerbate political unrest.

–ChannelAfrica–