Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-Archange Touadera on Thursday officially submitted his candidacy for the upcoming elections later this year, where he is widely tipped as the frontrunner.
The application was delivered to the National Election Authority (ANE) headquarters in Bangui by the secretary general of Touadera’s ruling United Hearts Movement, according to AFP reports.
Addressing reporters, Touadera said, “The people absolutely wanted reassurance that my candidacy file would be submitted today. We have fulfilled a constitutional requirement within the framework of democracy in our country.”
The presidential, parliamentary, regional, and local elections are scheduled for December 28, with October 11 set as the deadline for candidacy submissions.
CAR has endured decades of political instability and violent conflicts since gaining independence from France in 1960. Although clashes have reduced in intensity in recent years, the security situation remains fragile, particularly along main roads and in the eastern border regions with Sudan and South Sudan.
Touadera, who first came to power in 2016, is seeking a third term. His critics, however, accuse him of attempting to extend his rule indefinitely. A 2023 constitutional referendum paved the way for his renewed bid, as the new law permits him to contest for another term.
What you should know
President Faustin-Archange Touadera has officially entered the race for CAR’s December 28 elections, made possible by a new constitution passed in 2023.
While his supporters view his candidacy as a step for stability, critics accuse him of seeking to stay in power for life in a country long plagued by political unrest and violence.
