In 2023, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra pushed through a constitutional amendment scrapping presidential term limits in the Central African Republic, triggering protests from critics who accused him of seeking to remain in power for life.
Now one of Russia’s closest African allies, Touadéra is campaigning on a platform of restored security, crediting Russian mercenaries and soldiers with helping his government regain control in parts of the conflict-torn country.
He faces six opposition candidates, led by former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra, both of whom survived attempts by Touadéra’s supporters to bar them from the race over allegations of dual nationality.
Despite this, analysts say Touadéra remains firm favourite, benefiting from control of state institutions and far greater financial firepower than his rivals.
Provisional results are expected by 5 January. If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote, a presidential runoff will be held in February, followed by legislative runoffs on 5 April. Observers warn of potential post-election unrest, with opposition figures likely to challenge any Touadéra victory.
