Central African Republic president wins third term by landslide

Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra won a third term in the recent presidential election, securing 76% of the vote according to preliminary results. The election, held last month, saw a boycott from the main opposition coalition due to concerns about fairness. Touadéra's victory follows a 2023 constitutional change that removed term limits. Opposition candidates have called for the results to be annulled, alleging fraud and irregularities. The Constitutional Court has until January 20th to rule on any challenges. The CAR has struggled with instability since 2013, leading to reliance on Russian mercenaries and Rwandan soldiers for security. Touadéra's win could strengthen Russia's influence in the resource-rich but impoverished nation.

Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera won a third term in the December 28 election, according to provisional results announced on January 5, 2026. Touadera secured 76.15 percent of the vote, while former Prime Ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuele and Henri-Marie Dondra received 14.66 percent and 3.19 percent, respectively. Voter turnout was 52.42 percent. Touadera sought a third term after a 2023 constitutional referendum removed presidential term limits. The main opposition coalition boycotted the election, alleging it would not be fair, and both Dologuele and Dondra have denounced the election as fraudulent. The Constitutional Court has until January 20 to rule on any challenges and declare the final results.

The Central African Republic held presidential elections on December 28, 2025, amidst ongoing civil conflict. Incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadera, in office since 2016, is projected to win a third term after a controversial referendum allowed him to bypass previous term limits. Approximately 2.3 million voters are expected to participate in electing their president, legislators, and local representatives. Security forces, including the Wagner Group, were heavily deployed throughout the capital. Key opposition figures faced obstacles during the campaign, with some prevented from holding rallies. The election occurs against the backdrop of a civil war since 2013, with international peacekeeping missions and military support from Russia and Rwanda attempting to stabilize the country.