BANGUI, Central African Republic — The Central African Republic’s presidential election has descended into controversy as runner-up candidate Anicet Georges Dologuélé formally rejected provisional results on Wednesday, alleging systematic electoral manipulation. The opposition leader claims election authorities excluded over half of the voting data from official tallies, though he presented no concrete evidence to substantiate these allegations.
Provisional results indicate incumbent President Faustin Archange Touadera secured a decisive third term with 76.1% of votes, while Dologuélé trailed significantly with 14.6%. President Touadera’s spokesperson, Evariste Ngamana, dismissed the fraud claims as baseless accusations from a disgruntled loser.
The political turmoil unfolds against a backdrop of growing Russian influence in the mineral-rich nation. President Touadera confirmed during an interview with Russian state media TASS that he has extended a formal invitation to President Vladimir Putin, whom he praised as “one of the most outstanding political figures in the world.” This diplomatic overture comes amid reported tensions between Touadera and Moscow regarding security arrangements, with Russia pushing to replace the Wagner mercenary group—currently responsible for presidential security—with its formal military African Corps.
The election was already marred by controversy as major opposition coalitions boycotted the vote following a constitutional referendum that eliminated presidential term limits. Former Prime Minister Henri Marie Dondra, who garnered 3.19% of votes, joined Dologuélé in demanding complete election cancellation due to alleged electoral law violations.
Final election results are anticipated by January 20, though the current dispute threatens to prolong political instability in a nation that has increasingly turned to Russian security assistance amid persistent armed group threats throughout the country.