Campaigns in the Central African Republic’s contentious general election wound down on Friday amid mounting boycott calls and claims of uneven competition, setting the stage for voting Sunday that could extend President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s time in office.
With ballots due Dec. 28 for the presidency, legislature, regional and municipal councils, candidates wrapped up formal campaigning against a backdrop of deep political tensions and opposition accusations of obstruction. President Touadera, seeking a third term after a 2023 constitutional referendum removed presidential term limits, is widely seen as the front-runner.
Several opposition figures have joined the race, including former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra, but their campaigns have been hindered by what they describe as restrictions on rallies and travel. Dologuélé said authorities blocked planned campaign events, and Dondra accused security forces of preventing him from boarding a plane to reach voters outside the capital.
The main opposition coalition, the Republican Bloc for the Defence of the Constitution (BRDC), has boycotted the vote, saying the electoral environment is stacked in favour of the incumbent and lacks fairness and transparency. Neither Dologuélé nor Dondra formally represents the coalition’s boycott stance despite participating in the contest.
Human rights groups and election monitors have raised concerns about irregularities, incomplete voter lists and limited preparations outside Bangui, warning these factors could dent the credibility of the first widespread elections in years.
Security remains a key issue for voters, with the government relying on external partners, notably Russian forces, to counter armed groups that continue to operate in parts of the country.
The authorities deny systematic obstruction of opposition campaigns, with the ruling United Hearts Movement saying candidates have freedom to campaign and accusing critics of political posturing.
Turnout and how the boycott affects results will be closely watched in a nation that has grappled with chronic instability and contested leadership transitions for decades.