The opposition in the Central African Republic announced Wednesday it will boycott December elections, rejecting President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s third-term bid. Leaders of the Republican Bloc for the Defence of the Constitution (BRDC) have consistently criticised the electoral process as unfair and politically skewed.
They opposed Touadera’s potential third term during last year’s constitutional referendum, arguing the changes undermined democratic principles and public trust in governance. Presidential, parliamentary, regional, and local elections are all scheduled for December 28, with Touadera officially submitting his candidacy last week.
Crespin Mboli Goumba, BRDC coordinator, said the opposition would not reverse its decision despite multiple calls for dialogue with the president. Touadera initially seemed open to political talks earlier this year but hardened his stance during his party congress in July, officials said.
An initial meeting took place in early September, yet no follow-up dates have been proposed by the government to continue negotiations. The Central African Republic has endured recurrent conflicts since independence in 1960, with sporadic violence still affecting eastern regions and key national roads.
Security remains fragile, particularly along the border with Sudan and South Sudan, where armed groups continue to operate with relative impunity. Despite efforts to stabilise the country, political tensions and electoral disputes highlight the persistent fragility of democratic institutions in the nation.