President Faustin-Archange Touadera is seeking a third term after contesting elections that combined presidential, legislative, regional and municipal ballots in an unprecedented national vote. Observer missions from the African Union and the European Union have praised the conduct of the polls, noting high voter turnout and the absence of serious security incidents during voting hours.

The calm nature of the election has been widely welcomed by domestic stakeholders and international partners, particularly in a country that has experienced years of political instability and armed conflict. Security around polling stations was reinforced, contributing to a voting process that unfolded without major disruptions.

Touadera, a 68-year-old former mathematics professor, oversaw a constitutional referendum in 2023 that removed presidential term limits. The move triggered criticism from opposition groups and civil society organisations, who accused him of entrenching himself in power and weakening democratic safeguards.

Despite the controversy, a Touadera victory is widely viewed as the most likely outcome. His leadership has been closely associated with security cooperation involving Russian mercenaries and Rwandan forces, which authorities credit with restoring relative stability in parts of the country previously controlled by armed groups.

A renewed mandate for Touadera is expected to further strengthen Central African Republic’s ties with Russia, which has exchanged security support for access to strategic resources, including gold and diamonds. The Government has also signalled openness to foreign investment in lithium and uranium reserves, positioning the country as an emerging player in critical minerals.

–ChannelAfrica/Reuters–