Bangui: Voters in the Central African Republic went to the polls on Sunday in nationwide elections as President Faustin Archange Touadera sought a controversial third term in office, following changes to the country’s constitution that removed presidential term limits.
Polling stations opened across the capital Bangui and other regions for a wide ranging vote that includes presidential, parliamentary, regional and municipal elections. Around 2.4 million people are registered to vote in a country that has faced years of conflict and political instability.
Touadera, who has been in power since 2016, is widely seen as the frontrunner. His campaign has focused on security gains in recent years, crediting support from Russian security partners, Rwandan troops and the United Nations peacekeeping mission. Authorities say these efforts have helped reduce the influence of armed groups and restore state control in parts of the country.
The president’s third term bid follows a 2023 constitutional referendum that removed limits on presidential terms and extended the length of mandates. Opposition leaders and civil society groups have criticised the move, saying it weakened democratic safeguards. Several opposition candidates are contesting the election, including former prime ministers, though some parties have raised concerns about fairness and equal access during the campaign.
Voting was reported to be largely peaceful, with no major violence recorded during election day. However, there were logistical challenges in some areas, including delays in opening polling stations and problems with voter registration lists.
If no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote, a second round of the presidential election is expected to take place in February next year.
The election outcome is being closely watched at home and abroad. Supporters of the president argue that continuity is needed to maintain stability, while critics warn that extending his rule could deepen political divisions. Preliminary results are expected to be announced in the coming days.