Elections in the Central African Republic

By John Merolla

Reporter

The Central African Republic went to the polls on Dec. 28, 2025, to hold general elections in which a president, representatives of the National Assembly and local authorities were elected. The electoral process took place in a sensitive political context and under strong national and international attention, due to the country's institutional situation and recent reforms that modified the rules of the political system. According to the authorities and various observers, the day passed in a mostly calm manner, although it was marked by political tensions and questioning by opposition sectors.

President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, in power since 2016, was the main protagonist of the electoral process by running for a new term. His candidacy was possible after the constitutional reform approved in 2023, eliminated limits on presidential reelections. This modification of the Constitution generated a wide debate in Central African society and was harshly criticized by opposition parties, civil organizations and political leaders, who warned that the measure could weaken democratic mechanisms and concentrate power in the Executive branch.

From the early hours of the day, polling stations opened their doors in the capital, Bangui, and in different regions of the country. The National Electoral Commission reported that participation was sustained throughout the day and highlighted the deployment of the security operation, which was supported by the United Nations peacekeeping mission, known as MINUSCA. According to the authorities, this device allowed elections to take place without serious incidents, especially in urban areas and in the main population centers.

Election observation missions of the African Union and other regional bodies agreed that the voting took place in a generally orderly manner. However, they pointed to a series of logistical difficulties, such as delays in the opening of some polling stations, lack of electoral material and access problems in rural and remote areas. In these regions, the presence of the State remains limited and insecurity, coupled with deficiencies in infrastructure and transportation, continues to be an obstacle to the normal development of the electoral process.

Opposition parties denounced irregularities and expressed doubts about the transparency of the elections. Some leaders affirmed that the campaign was carried out in unequal conditions, denouncing restrictions on political activity and media coverage favorable to the ruling party. They also noted that the ruling party would have had significant advantages in terms of resources and organization. Despite these accusations, the government defended the legitimacy of the process and called on the opposition to respect the results that will be released by the electoral authority.

For his part, President Touadéra stressed the importance of the elections as a key step for the country's political stability. In public statements, he affirmed that the citizen vote is essential to consolidate peace, strengthen institutions and advance economic and social development. He also called for calm and responsibility from all political parties while the vote count progresses, in order to avoid episodes of violence or destabilization.

The Central African Republic has faced deep institutional fragility for decades, marked by armed conflicts, recurrent humanitarian crises and high levels of poverty. Since its independence from France in 1960, the country has gone through numerous coups d'état and episodes of violence that have conditioned its political, economic and social life, making it difficult to build solid and stable institutions.

According to the National Election Commission, the electoral count began immediately after the polls closed. The preliminary results are expected to be released during the first days of January 2026, while the final results could be published later, once the verification process is concluded. In the event that no candidate reaches the necessary majority, current legislation provides for a second round of elections, which would be held in February.

The international community is closely following developments in the electoral process and has urged both the authorities and the opposition to resolve any disputes through institutional and peaceful means. The announcement of the results will be decisive in evaluating the impact of these elections on the country's political future and in the search for greater stability and governability.