CAR's Election: A Test of Stability and Democracy

In the Central African Republic (CAR), President Faustin-Archange Touadera is aiming for a third term in office. This is happening during national elections where he highlights improvements in security, thanks to support from Russian mercenaries and Rwandan troops. Touadera, a 68-year-old former mathematician, made changes to the constitution in 2023. These changes removed the limit on presidential terms, which critics say is his way of staying in power indefinitely. If Touadera wins, as many expect, it could strengthen Russia's influence in the country. Russia has been providing security help in exchange for access to CAR's resources, like gold, diamonds, lithium, and uranium. The opposition has two former prime ministers, Anicet-Georges Dologuele and Henri-Marie Dondra, who faced attempts to remove them from the race. They were accused of holding foreign citizenship, but they are still running. Despite their presence, Touadera is still the favorite. He has control over state institutions and more financial resources than his opponents. Human Rights Watch has noted that the opposition faces more administrative hurdles than the ruling party.In 2018, CAR became the first country in the region to bring in Russia's Wagner mercenaries. Since then, other countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have also turned to them for help. In 2020, Rwandan troops were deployed to support Touadera's government during a time of unrest. This year, Touadera signed peace deals with rebel groups, which has made the country more secure. However, the peace is fragile. Rebels have not fully disarmed, and there are still security issues, especially from neighboring Sudan. The elections on Sunday will also decide legislative, regional, and municipal positions. Provisional results are expected by January 5. If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held on February 15, with legislative runoffs on April 5. There is a risk of unrest after the election, as opponents are likely to challenge Touadera's expected victory. A smooth voting process could help Touadera's claim that stability is returning. Last year, the U. N. Security Council lifted an arms embargo and a separate embargo on diamond exports, which supported this claim.