🔗 Share this article CAR Heads to the Polls as President Seeks a Third Mandate On Sunday, the Central African Republic will hold a significant quadruple election, including the presidential race, national assembly, and local seats. A Crowded Race for the Presidency A field of seven contenders are competing for the top office, including ex-premiers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. Both men were cleared to run by the high court after being initially barred. Dologuélé was the runner-up in the 2015 and 2020 votes, while Dondra had a short tenure under the incumbent. Challengers' Strategy and Voter Frustrations The challengers aims to tap into widespread frustration in a country where conflict remains a daily reality. More than half a million people are internally displaced, with a similar number living as exiles in neighbouring countries. "This represents an chance to commend the remarkable recovery of the country," noted a senior UN diplomat, adding that challenges remain. Touadéra's Expected Victory Despite the competition, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a one-time academic, is largely predicted to secure another term. He transitioned into politics in 2008 when appointed prime minister, holding the post until a insurgent alliance overthrew the government in 2013, sparking a sectarian conflict. After a chaotic transition period, his reputation for neutrality from the warring factions powered his runoff win in 2016. Security Concerns and Logistical Hurdles Concerns persist that supply-chain issues and insecurity could disrupt the electoral process, especially in rural areas. The UN peacekeeping mission, Minusca, is offering security and organizational aid that the country's weak systems cannot manage. Additional problems include the electoral roll being published only online, a major hurdle in a nation with limited internet access. These irregularities have led to an opposition boycott and could, as noted by analysts, "exclude many of the electorate." Stakes of a Third Term Many residents fear that another term for Touadéra—enabled by a 2023 constitutional referendum that abolished term limits and lengthened mandates—would mean expanded sway for outside interests. The president has put faith in the Russian mercenary group Wagner for personal security, and even after its founder's death, has pushed back against calls to fold its fighters into a new structure. Meanwhile, Rwanda has pursued a separate strategy, focusing on business interests within CAR. Allegations of Asset Sales Recent reports have claimed the government removed its own soldiers from a World Bank-funded facility to accommodate a Rwandan agricultural project. A critical commentary charged the leadership of being "determined to sell off the country piece by piece." Despite a newly signed agreement with rebel groups offering a glimmer of calm, the vote moves forward under a shadow of doubt and geopolitical rivalry.