Central African Republic President Touadéra Wins Third Term in Provisional Results

President Faustin‑Archange Touadéra has secured a third term in office following last month’s presidential election in the Central African Republic, according to provisional results released by the country’s National Electoral Authority.

The electoral body announced late Monday that Touadéra won 76.15 percent of the vote, extending his tenure after nearly a decade in power. The election took place on December 28, with voters also casting ballots for lawmakers as well as regional and local representatives.

Touadéra was first elected president in 2016 and re‑elected in 2020. His eligibility to run again followed a constitutional referendum held in 2023, which removed presidential term limits and cleared the way for a third mandate — a move that drew criticism from opposition groups and civil society organisations.

Approximately 2.4 million citizens were registered to vote in the polls. However, the election was marked by controversy, as the country’s main opposition coalition boycotted the process, arguing that the political environment was neither free nor fair. They cited concerns over governance, security, and restrictions on political activity.

Despite the boycott, six candidates contested the presidency. Two prominent opposition figures — former prime ministers Anicet‑Georges Dologuélé and Henri‑Marie Dondra — have already challenged the provisional results, alleging irregularities and electoral fraud.

International observers reported that voting day was largely calm, though security concerns persisted in parts of the country. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, MINUSCA, confirmed that while the election proceeded peacefully in most areas, an attack occurred in Bambouti, an eastern town near the border with South Sudan, highlighting ongoing instability.

Under the country’s electoral framework, the Constitutional Court has until January 20 to review the process and formally confirm the final results.

Touadéra’s third term comes at a critical moment for the Central African Republic, a nation still grappling with armed conflict, economic fragility, and humanitarian challenges. The confirmation of his victory is expected to shape the country’s political direction amid continued scrutiny from both domestic opponents and international partners.

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