Head of State F.-A. Touadera Claims 3rd Term in Central African Republic by Overwhelming Majority.
Provisional election results indicate that Head of State Faustin-Archange Touadera of the CAR has secured a third term by an decisive majority.
The 68-year-old president, a one-time mathematics lecturer, was largely anticipated to win after the main rival alliance boycotted the election, pointing to worries over vote integrity.
A Debated Path to Re-election
The president's campaign focused heavily on his stability record in a chronically unstable country.
"There was a systematic attempt to manipulate the result," stated rival candidate Anicet-Georges Dologuélé.
He has encountered significant backlash since a constitutional change abolished term limits, allowing his continued run for office.
Election Details and Challenges
More than 2.4 million voters were registered for the 28 December presidential vote, which observers described as mostly calm notwithstanding logistical setbacks.
Based on preliminary figures, Touadéra won 76% of the ballots.
- The president's main challenger, former Prime Minister Anicet-Georges Dologuélé, received 15%.
- A further former prime minister, Henri-Marie Dondra, followed with three percent.
Both rivals have demanded the outcome to be cancelled, alleging extensive malpractices and fraud.
The authorities has firmly denied these accusations.
The Country Stuck in Instability
The CAR is one of Africa's least developed and most volatile countries, even with its wealth of natural resources like precious stones and radioactive ore.
The interior state has been engulfed in conflict since rebels seized power.
A 2019 deal contributed to ease tensions, though several armed groups later withdrew from the pact.
Geopolitical Implications
Analysts suggest that the president's win could further the influence of the Russian Federation, which has offered security support in exchange for access to lucrative resources.
The CAR was among the first African nations where the Russian private military company the Wagner Group became active, providing protection to Touadéra's government.
The nation's top court has a deadline of 20 January to rule on any challenges and proclaim the official results.
