#Central African Republic #Bangui #CAR Elections #Faustin Touadéra

Peaceful Conclusion of Central African Republic Elections

The Central African Republic (CAR) has successfully held its general elections, with results confirmed to be peaceful and orderly, as per post-election evaluations released by the Réseau Arc-en-Ciel (RAC). The elections, which took place across the nation, ended on December 29, 2025, and marked a significant civic engagement with an impressive number of voters participating.

Voter Participation and Atmosphere

Approximately 2.4 million eligible voters had the chance to cast their votes for various positions, including presidency, legislative seats, and local authorities. The voting process concluded at 6:00 PM local time, with reports underscoring the organized conduct at the polls. Voting stations were set up at around 6,700 venues across the country, ensuring accessibility even in more remote locations.

The RAC's reports align with feedback from international monitors, including delegations from both the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU), who noted that the election transpired without significant security issues, which is a positive indicator for the political landscape in CAR.

Election Candidates and Results

In this election cycle, the incumbent president Faustin-Archange Touadéra is vying for a third term supported by the United Hearts Movement (MCU). The election saw him competing against six other candidates, including prominent figures like former Prime Ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé from the Union for Central African Renewal (URCA) and Henri-Marie Dondra from the UNIR party. The presence of independent candidates, such as Serge Djorie and Aristide Briand Reboas, also added diversity to the electoral options.

A candidate must achieve over 50% of the votes to secure an outright victory in the first round; otherwise, a runoff is slated for February 2026. As per early analysis, Team Touadéra maintains favorable perceptions among the electorate concerning national security and is anticipated to gain the necessary support for continuation in power.

Legislative Elections

Aside from the presidential race, voters were tasked with electing members of the National Assembly, which consists of 140 seats. The legislative elections saw 685 candidates in contention for the posts, with numerous independent candidates in the mix alongside various political parties representing more than 40 groups. Observers suggest that the MCU might reinforce its current majority beyond the 61 seats occupied in the previous assembly.

The preliminary results for these elections are expected to be announced by the National Elections Authority (A.N.E.) on January 5, 2026, with a second round for parliamentary positions possible on April 5, 2026.

This electoral process is a vital step in reinforcing democratic practices within the Central African Republic, a nation that has faced numerous challenges in establishing political stability. The positive feedback regarding voter turnout and the peaceful nature of the elections signifies hope and resilience among the citizens of CAR as they navigate the path forward.

Conclusion

As we look ahead, the stability observed during these elections may pave the way for broader acceptance of democratic governance in the Central African Republic. The outlook remains optimistic, given the robust participation from voters and the absence of serious disturbances throughout the electoral day.