EXPLAINERNews|ElectionsCentral African Republic election: Who’s running and what’s at stake?President Touadera’s decision to stand for a third term has drawn criticism from opposition groups and civil society.
The Central African Republic (CAR) is preparing for presidential and legislative elections on Sun, Dec 28, 2025. These elections are noteworthy as they may extend President Faustin-Archange Touadera's tenure beyond the traditional two-term limit,…
The Central African Republic (CAR) is preparing for presidential and legislative elections on Sun, Dec 28, 2025. These elections are noteworthy as they may extend President Faustin-Archange Touadera's tenure beyond the traditional two-term limit, following a referendum that abolished term limits.
The elections will also include local elections, the first in 40 years, amidst ongoing political conflicts, including a civil war that has displaced over a million people. Concerns have been raised about the electoral body's capacity to manage the election scale.
Approximately 2.3 million Central Africans, aged 18 and above, are registered to vote. This includes 749,000 new registrations since the 2020 election. Voters will elect the president, national lawmakers, and, for the first time in decades, municipal administrators. The voter turnout in past elections has averaged 62%. There are around 6,700 polling stations nationwide.
The National Elections Authority had initially scheduled municipal elections for August but postponed them to December due to insufficient funds and logistical challenges. Campaigning commenced on Dec 13, with some opposition groups alleging that delays have benefited the incumbent president.
If no presidential candidate achieves an absolute majority, a second round will be held. The 2023 referendum extended presidential terms from five to seven years and removed term limits.
The Central African Republic (CAR) is preparing for presidential and legislative elections on Sun, Dec 28, 2025.
President Touadera, 68, is seeking re-election under the United Hearts Movement (MCU). He has served as president since 2016, following his tenure as prime minister from 2013 to 2015. His administration has faced criticism for alleged electoral manipulation and opposition suppression. Despite these allegations, Touadera has campaigned on a platform of peace, security, and infrastructure development.
Henri-Marie Dondra, 59, is a former finance minister and prime minister. He represents the Republican Unity party (UNIR) and positions himself as a reformist. His campaign faced challenges, including allegations of dual citizenship, which he denied.
Anicet-Georges Dologuele, leader of the Union for Central African Renewal (URCA), is a prominent opposition figure. He has previously served as prime minister and held senior banking positions. Dologuele's campaign has been complicated by legal challenges regarding his citizenship status.
Aristide Briand Reboas – Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, focusing on amenities improvement. Serge Djorie – Former government spokesperson, advocating for public health reforms and poverty reduction. Eddy Symphorien Kparekouti – Independent candidate emphasizing poverty reduction and political security.
The ongoing conflict involves the Seleka and Anti-balaka factions, resulting in violence and displacement. Russian mercenaries have played a significant role in security, yet face accusations of human rights abuses.
CAR remains one of the world's poorest nations, with over 60% of the population living in poverty. The economy is heavily reliant on subsistence farming, with limited industrial development.
The political environment is marked by fragmentation, with the lack of a unified opposition challenging the current administration's policies. The 2023 constitutional changes have intensified concerns over democratic integrity and potential electoral manipulation.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
