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This Sunday, the nation of CAR will hold a crucial series of four votes, encompassing the presidency, national assembly, and local positions.

A Crowded Race for the Presidency

A field of seven contenders are competing for the top office, including former prime ministers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. The two were cleared to run by the constitutional court after initial bans. Dologuélé finished second in the 2015 and 2020 votes, while Dondra briefly served under the current president.

Opposition Hopes and Voter Frustrations

The opposition aims to tap into widespread discontent in a country where violence remains a daily reality. Over half a million people are displaced within their own country, with a similar number living as exiles in neighbouring countries.

"This is an chance to acknowledge the remarkable recovery of the country," said a senior UN diplomat, adding that challenges remain.

Touadéra's Expected Victory

Despite the competition, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a former mathematics professor, is widely expected to secure another term. He first entered politics in 2008 when named prime minister, serving until a insurgent alliance overthrew the government in 2013, triggering a civil war.

After a turbulent transition period, his reputation for neutrality from the warring factions fueled his runoff win in 2016.

Security Concerns and Voting Challenges

Concerns persist that logistical problems and insecurity could disrupt the electoral process, especially in rural areas. The UN peacekeeping mission, Minusca, is offering protection and organizational aid that the state's crumbling infrastructure cannot manage.

Further issues include the electoral roll being published only online, a significant barrier in a country with scarce online access. These issues have prompted an opposition boycott and could, as noted by analysts, "disenfranchise large segments of the population."

Implications of Extended Rule

Many residents fear that another term for Touadéra—made possible by a 2023 charter change that abolished term limits and lengthened mandates—would mean greater influence for outside interests.

The president has put faith in the Russian mercenary group Wagner for his protection, and despite its founder's death, has pushed back against calls to fold its fighters into a successor entity. In contrast, Rwanda has taken a different approach, focusing on commercial ventures within CAR.

Allegations of Asset Sales

Recent reports have claimed the government evicted its own soldiers from a World Bank-funded facility to make way for a foreign-run agricultural project. A pro-opposition commentary accused the leadership of being "determined to dispose of the nation piece by piece."

Despite a newly signed agreement with armed factions offering hope of stabilization, the election proceeds under a shadow of doubt and external competition.