Central African Republic Prepares for the Polls as Incumbent Aims for a Third Term

On Sunday, the Central African Republic will undertake a pivotal quadruple election, encompassing the presidential race, parliament, and municipal offices.

A Competitive Presidential Field

Seven candidates are competing for the presidency, among them former prime ministers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. Both men were cleared to run by the constitutional court after initial bans. Dologuélé finished second in the 2015 and 2020 votes, while Dondra had a short tenure under the incumbent.

Challengers' Strategy and Voter Frustrations

The challengers hopes to tap into widespread discontent in a country where violence remains a daily reality. Over half a million people are internally displaced, with a comparable figure living as refugees in bordering states.

"This represents an chance to acknowledge the remarkable recovery of the country," noted a UN regional official, though he added that challenges persist.

Touadéra's Expected Victory

Despite the challenges, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a former mathematics professor, is largely predicted to extend his run. He first entered politics in 2008 when named prime minister, holding the post until a insurgent alliance toppled the government in 2013, triggering a civil war.

After a chaotic three-year interim, his reputation for impartiality from the main militias fueled his second-round victory in 2016.

Election Risks and Voting Challenges

There are fears that supply-chain issues and violence could mar the vote, particularly in the countryside. The UN peacekeeping mission, Minusca, is providing security and organizational aid that the state's crumbling infrastructure is unable to provide.

Further issues involve the voter list being made available only digitally, a major hurdle in a country with limited internet access. These irregularities have prompted an opposition boycott and could, according to observers, "exclude many of the population."

Implications of Extended Rule

Many citizens worry that another term for Touadéra—made possible by a 2023 constitutional referendum that abolished term limits and lengthened mandates—would entail greater influence for outside interests.

The president has relied on the private military group Wagner for his protection, and despite its founder's death, has resisted calls to fold its fighters into a new structure. Meanwhile, Rwanda has pursued a separate strategy, focusing on commercial interests within CAR.

Allegations of Asset Sales

Recent reports have stated the government removed its own soldiers from a World Bank-funded training centre to make way for a Rwandan livestock operation. A pro-opposition commentary accused the leadership of being "determined to sell off the nation piece by piece."

Despite a recent peace accord with armed factions offering a glimmer of calm, the election moves forward under a shadow of uncertainty and geopolitical rivalry.