BANGUI, Central African Republic — The nation’s electoral authority has confirmed President Faustin Archange Touadéra’s victory in securing a third presidential term, according to provisional results released late Monday. The controversial election, held last month, proceeded without participation from the major opposition coalition that had denounced the political climate as fundamentally unequal.
The electoral landscape shifted significantly when a constitutional referendum earlier removed presidential term limits, enabling Touadéra to seek re-election despite previous restrictions. This constitutional amendment prompted the main opposition coalition to boycott the electoral process entirely, claiming the playing field was systematically tilted in favor of the incumbent administration.
Despite the boycott, six candidates remained in the presidential race against Touadéra. Official results from the National Election Authority indicate the president captured a commanding 76.15% of the total votes cast. The election occurred amid ongoing security challenges in the mineral-rich yet impoverished nation, which has experienced prolonged instability since a violent rebellion ousted former President François Bozizé in 2013.
International observers have noted concerns about the electoral process, while the government maintains the election was conducted fairly and represents the will of the Central African people. The outcome solidifies Touadéra’s continued leadership amid persistent armed conflict and deepening humanitarian crises affecting approximately half of the country’s population.