Polls open in Central African Republic as Touadera seeks third term

Polls opened in the Central African Republic’s capital Bangui on Sunday (December 28), with election officials setting up ballot boxes and voters forming long queues to cast their ballots in a tightly controlled presidential election.

The vote is expected to return President Faustin-Archange Touadera to power for a third term after a 2023 constitutional referendum removed term limits, despite opposition accusations of repression, uneven campaigning conditions and lingering security concerns across parts of the country.

At several polling stations, agents were seen preparing voting materials and displaying empty ballot boxes before voting began. Residents said turnout was driven by fears of instability and hopes for political change after years of conflict and economic hardship.

“I’m voting because I am Central African, it’s everyone’s duty,” said Bangui resident Stephane Ngbandi, warning that failing to vote could push the country toward chaos. Another voter, Arleta Abiali, called on citizens seeking change to turn out in large numbers, saying the future of the country depended on a “sovereign choice” made at the ballot box.

Production: Leger Kokpakpa, Media Coulibaly and Ngouda Dione/Reuters