General elections in the Central African Republic (CAR) concluded on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Local and international observers described the atmosphere as remarkably calm and orderly. This vote combined presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal ballots, marking a major milestone in the nation’s democratic journey.
Jeanne Aurélie Ngo Belnoun, a prominent election observer, confirmed that polling stations nationwide saw no major disturbances. “The representatives of the parties and the candidates behaved very well,” she noted. She also praised the professional conduct of the electoral officials throughout the day.
Touadéra Eyes a Historic Third Term
The primary focus of this election is incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. He is currently seeking a controversial third term in office. His candidacy follows a 2023 constitutional referendum that successfully removed presidential term limits. Additionally, the reform extended presidential mandates from five to seven years.
Key election highlights include:
- Voter Participation: Approximately 2.4 million citizens were eligible to cast ballots at nearly 6,700 polling stations.
- Security Presence: To maintain stability, the government deployed national police alongside international partners. These included MINUSCA and Russian Wagner Group personnel.
- Landmark Local Vote: For the first time since 1988, the country held municipal elections. This move is seen as vital for extending state authority beyond the capital, Bangui.
What Happens Next: Results Timeline
As the counting process begins, the National Elections Authority (A.N.E.) has established a clear schedule for releasing information:
- January 5, 2026: This is the deadline for the announcement of provisional results.
- Absolute Majority: To win in the first round, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote.
- Potential Runoffs: If no candidate reaches a majority, a presidential runoff will occur in February 2026. Legislative runoffs are scheduled for April 5, 2026.
While the quiet conditions on election day are positive, analysts warn that the true test of stability will come during the results phase.
Opposition groups, some of whom boycotted the vote, remain watchful regarding the transparency of the tallying process.
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