Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-Archange Touadera has won a third term in office, according to provisional results released by the country’s electoral commission on Monday.
The 68-year-old mathematician, who has led the nation for ten years, sought the extension following a 2023 constitutional referendum that removed presidential term limits. He campaigned on his record of improving security in the conflict-prone country, with support from Russian mercenaries and Rwandan forces, while also signing peace deals with multiple rebel groups.
Mathias Morouba, the country’s top election official, announced that Touadera received 76.15 percent of the vote. Former Prime Minister Anicet-Georges Dologuele secured 14.66 percent, and former Prime Minister Henri-Marie Dondra received 3.19 percent. Voter turnout was recorded at 52.42 percent.
The main opposition coalition, known as BRDC, boycotted the election citing concerns over fairness. Both Dologuele and Dondra preemptively denounced the vote, alleging fraud. “There was a methodical attempt to manipulate the outcome,” Dologuele said at a press briefing before results were announced. Touadera’s government has rejected these claims.
The Constitutional Court has until January 20 to adjudicate any challenges and issue the final results.
Touadera’s victory is expected to strengthen Russia’s influence in CAR, trading security support for access to the country’s natural resources, including gold and diamonds. However, the president has also signaled interest in attracting Western partners to develop CAR’s lithium, uranium, and gold reserves.
Despite the relatively peaceful voting process—unlike the 2020 election, when rebels blocked hundreds of polling stations—analysts warn that Touadera’s security gains are fragile. Nathalia Dukhan, Central Africa analyst for the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, noted that some armed groups have been incorporated into the government. “But if the system doesn’t serve their interests, things could take a dramatic turn,” she said.
With superior control over state institutions and resources, Touadera was the clear favorite ahead of the election, consolidating his grip on power in a nation long plagued by instability.
