🔗 Share this article CAR Heads to the Ballot Box as Incumbent Seeks a Third Term This Sunday, the nation of CAR will undertake a crucial quadruple election, encompassing the presidential race, parliament, and local offices. A Crowded Race for the Presidency A field of seven contenders are competing for the presidency, including ex-premiers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. Both men were cleared to stand by the constitutional court after being initially barred. Dologuélé was the runner-up in the last two elections, while Dondra had a short tenure under the current president. Challengers' Strategy and Public Discontent The opposition hopes to capitalize on widespread discontent in a country where violence remains a daily reality. Over half a million people are internally displaced, with a comparable figure living as refugees in neighbouring countries. "This represents an chance to commend the remarkable recovery of the country," noted a senior UN diplomat, adding that obstacles remain. The Incumbent's Path Despite the challenges, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a one-time academic, is largely predicted to extend his run. He transitioned into politics in 2008 when appointed prime minister, holding the post until a insurgent alliance overthrew the government in 2013, triggering a sectarian conflict. After a turbulent three-year interim, his reputation for neutrality from the main militias powered his second-round victory in 2016. Security Concerns and Logistical Hurdles Concerns persist that logistical problems and violence could mar the vote, particularly in rural areas. The UN peacekeeping mission, Minusca, is offering security and organizational aid that the country's weak systems cannot manage. Additional problems involve the electoral roll being made available only digitally, a major hurdle in a country with limited internet access. These irregularities have prompted an opposition boycott and could, according to observers, "disenfranchise large segments of the electorate." Implications of Extended Rule Many citizens fear that another term for Touadéra—enabled by a 2023 charter change that scrapped term limits and extended mandates—would entail greater influence for outside interests. The president has put faith in the Russian mercenary group Wagner for his protection, and despite its founder's death, has resisted calls to integrate its fighters into a successor entity. Meanwhile, Rwanda has pursued a separate strategy, focusing on commercial ventures within CAR. Claims of National Disposal Allegations have stated the government evicted its own soldiers from a internationally financed facility to accommodate a foreign-run agricultural project. A critical commentary charged the leadership of being "intent on dispose of the country bit by bit." Despite a recent peace accord with armed factions offering a glimmer of stabilization, the election moves forward under a cloud of doubt and external competition.