The Central African Republic (CAR) is gearing up for one of the most consequential moments in its recent political history, as the National Elections Authority announced that the country will head to the polls on December 28, 2025. The announcement, made on Thursday, confirmed that voters will participate in four simultaneous elections — presidential, parliamentary, regional, and municipal — marking a pivotal test for both the country’s fragile democracy and its security apparatus.
The upcoming vote will see President Faustin-Archange Touadera seek a third consecutive term in office, a decision that has already ignited both fierce criticism and strong endorsements across the political spectrum.
Touadera’s Political Journey and Third-Term Bid
Touadera, a former mathematics professor turned politician, first came to power in 2016 after a runoff election that followed years of armed conflict. He was re-elected in 2020 in a highly contested poll marred by low voter turnout in several conflict-affected regions. In late July 2025, he formally announced his decision to run again, citing what he described as “unfinished work” in restoring lasting peace, rebuilding state institutions, and advancing economic recovery.
“Our nation is on the path to stability and growth,” Touadera said during his July declaration speech in Bangui. “But our work is far from complete. I seek the trust of our people once more to finish what we started.”
His bid for a third term comes after the 2023 constitutional referendum, which removed presidential term limits — a move that opposition leaders and some civil society groups labeled a “democratic setback.” Critics argue that Touadera’s continued stay in power risks entrenching authoritarianism, while his supporters maintain that his leadership remains essential in steering the country through its delicate post-conflict recovery.
A Heavily Loaded Election Day
The December 28 vote will be unlike any in CAR’s history, as the electorate will cast ballots in four key races on the same day:
- The first round of the presidential election
- Parliamentary elections to fill all seats in the National Assembly
- Regional elections aimed at strengthening local governance
- Municipal elections, which had been repeatedly postponed due to funding constraints and voter roll disputes
According to the National Elections Authority, approximately 2.3 million registered voters are expected to participate. Notably, 749,000 of these are newly registered, reflecting what analysts see as a surge in political engagement, especially among younger citizens.
Election commission chairperson Mathias Morouba assured the public that logistical preparations are underway to ensure that ballot materials reach even the most remote regions of the country. “We are committed to giving every eligible Central African the opportunity to vote,” he said, while acknowledging that security and transportation challenges remain.
Security Gains — But Not Without Risks
The country’s security landscape has seen notable changes since Touadera’s second term began, with his administration receiving military and logistical backing from Russian mercenaries, particularly the Wagner Group. This support helped government forces reclaim several key towns from rebel control, significantly reducing the intensity of armed clashes in parts of the nation.
However, the calm is far from complete. Security experts estimate that two-thirds of CAR’s territory remains under the partial or full influence of insurgent factions and self-styled local militias. These armed groups have historically targeted election materials, intimidated voters, and disrupted polling in areas they control.
“The government has made gains, yes, but the presence of armed groups in rural prefectures still poses a real threat to the credibility and safety of the vote,” said political analyst Brigitte Koumba in an interview with Africa Live News.
International observers, including representatives from the African Union and the United Nations, have called for an increase in peacekeeping patrols in volatile areas ahead of the election.
Concerns Over Fairness and Electoral Transparency
Beyond security issues, there is growing unease over the fairness of the upcoming elections. Opposition parties have accused the National Elections Authority of favoring the incumbent, pointing to the 2023 constitutional changes as evidence of an uneven playing field. Some opposition leaders are calling for independent international oversight of the electoral process to guarantee transparency.
Former Prime Minister Anicet-Georges Dologuélé, a likely presidential contender, has warned that “a manipulated vote will not bring peace, it will bring chaos.” He urged the government to allow unrestricted access for independent monitors and to ensure equitable media coverage for all candidates.
Civil society groups have also raised concerns about voter education in remote regions, warning that low literacy levels and misinformation could lead to disenfranchisement.
A Defining Moment for CAR’s Future
The December 28 elections will serve as a critical barometer for CAR’s democratic resilience and its capacity to navigate post-conflict governance challenges. The stakes are high: a peaceful, credible, and inclusive election could help consolidate recent gains in stability, attract international investment, and strengthen public trust in state institutions.
On the other hand, a disputed or violently disrupted vote risks plunging the nation back into instability, reversing years of progress. The fear of renewed violence looms large for communities that have only recently begun to rebuild.
“The ballot box must replace the bullet,” remarked United Nations Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over confrontation.
Looking Ahead
As the campaign season intensifies in the coming months, all eyes will be on the candidates’ ability to engage in peaceful competition, the electoral commission’s capacity to deliver a credible process, and the security forces’ readiness to protect voters without intimidation.
For President Touadera, the election represents a referendum on his leadership and his vision for the next five years. For his challengers, it is an opportunity to offer alternative paths for CAR’s recovery and governance.
Ultimately, for the people of the Central African Republic, December 28 will not just be a day of voting — it will be a decisive moment that could shape the nation’s trajectory for decades to come.
