Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has won a third term in office after securing a large majority in the country’s presidential election, according to provisional results.
The election body announced that Touadéra won 76 percent of the vote in the December 28 poll. His closest rival, former prime minister Anicet-Georges Dologuélé, received 15 percent, while another former prime minister, Henri-Marie Dondra, came third with 3 percent.
Touadéra, a 68-year-old former mathematics professor, was widely expected to win after the main opposition coalition boycotted the election. The opposition group, known as BRDC, said the vote would not be free or fair and later claimed there were serious irregularities. The government has denied these allegations.
More than 2.4 million voters were registered for the election. Observers said the voting was largely peaceful, although there were delays caused by late delivery of voting materials and problems with the voters’ register.
The president campaigned on his record of improving security in the country, which has faced years of conflict since rebels overthrew former president François Bozizé in 2013. To stabilise the country, Touadéra’s government has relied on support from Russian mercenaries and Rwandan troops.
Touadéra has faced criticism after a new constitution passed in 2023 removed presidential term limits, allowing him to run again. Analysts say his victory is likely to strengthen Russia’s influence in the country, especially in the mining sector, including gold and diamonds.
The Constitutional Court has until January 20 to review any petitions and confirm the final election results.
Despite being rich in natural resources, the Central African Republic remains one of Africa’s poorest countries. The United Nations estimates that about half of the population depends on humanitarian aid.
