Voters in the Central African Republic (CAR) went to the polls on 26 December 2025 as incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadéra seeks a controversial third term in office. The general election, which includes presidential, legislative, municipal and regional races is being closely watched as a pivotal moment for the deeply unstable nation.
Touadéra, in power since 2016, entered the race as the clear favourite against six challengers, including former Prime Minister Anicet-Georges Dologuélé, amid concerns from civil society, opposition figures and human rights observers over the credibility of the contest. Opponents have criticised a 2023 constitutional referendum that removed presidential term limits and extended the length of mandates, a change perceived as designed to entrench Touadéra’s hold on power.
The president has campaigned heavily on security improvements and peace deals with several armed groups that have diminished rebel activity in parts of the country, while also relying on foreign military support, including Russian security partners and Rwandan forces working alongside UN peacekeepers. Despite those gains, insecurity persists, particularly in eastern regions, raising questions about safety at polling stations and the overall inclusivity of the process.
Critics also point to ongoing economic challenges, including entrenched poverty and infrastructure deficits, arguing that Touadéra’s tenure has not substantially improved living standards for the majority of CAR’s estimated 5.5 million people. Analysts warn that ensuring a credible, transparent vote is essential to preventing post-election unrest in a country still grappling with long-running conflict and political fragility.
Preliminary results are expected by 5 January 2026, and if no candidate secures an outright majority, a runoff could follow. The outcome is likely to shape CAR’s political trajectory and the influence of external partners in the years ahead.
