Head of State Faustin-Archange Touadéra Claims Third Term in Central African Republic by Overwhelming Majority.
Preliminary poll outcomes confirm that Head of State Faustin-Archange Touadera of the CAR has secured a 3rd presidential term by an decisive victory.
The 68-year-old leader, a former math lecturer, was broadly expected to succeed after the primary opposition alliance boycotted the poll, pointing to worries over vote integrity.
A Debated Path to Victory
Touadéra's re-election bid focused significantly on his stability achievements in a perennially volatile nation.
"We witnessed a systematic effort to manipulate the result," alleged rival candidate Anicet Dologuélé.
He has faced significant criticism since a 2023 change abolished term limits, paving the way for his continued candidacy for office.
Poll Details and Challenges
Over 2.4 million people were registered for the 28 December presidential vote, which monitors called mostly peaceful notwithstanding operational setbacks.
According to provisional data, the incumbent won 76% of the ballots.
- His closest challenger, ex- Prime Minister Anicet Dologuélé, garnered fifteen percent.
- Another ex- prime minister, Henri-Marie Dondra, followed with 3%.
Both opponents have called for the outcome to be cancelled, claiming extensive malpractices and electoral fraud.
The authorities has categorically denied these claims.
The Nation Stuck in Instability
The CAR remains one of the continent's least developed and most unstable nations, even with its abundance of minerals like diamonds and radioactive ore.
The interior state has been mired in conflict since 2013.
A peace agreement helped reduce hostilities, though several armed factions subsequently withdrew from the pact.
Geopolitical Repercussions
Experts suggest that the president's win could further the influence of the Russian Federation, which has offered military assistance in exchange for access to lucrative resources.
The CAR was among the first continent states where the Russia-linked mercenary group Wagner became active, providing security to Touadéra's administration.
The nation's top court has until 20 January to rule on any appeals and announce the final outcome.
