Touadera has been provisionally declared the winner of the Central African Republic presidential election, taking more than 76% of the vote in the December 28 ballot. Turnout was about 52%, and final results will be confirmed in mid-January after any appeals are reviewed. Main challenger Anicet-Georges Dologuele has alleged major irregularities, claims denied by Touadera's camp; African Union observers said voting was peaceful. Critics cite Touadera's ties to Russian paramilitaries and a controversial 2019 peace accord, while supporters credit him with security and infrastructure gains amid persistent poverty.
Touadera Provisionally Re-Elected in Central African Republic With Over 76% Amid Opposition Allegations
Central African Republic's President and presidential candidate for the United Hearts Movement (MCU) Faustin Archange Touadera casts his ballot at a polling station in Bangui on December 28, 2025 during Central African Republic's presidential election. (Annela NIAMOLO)(Annela NIAMOLO/AFP/AFP)
Faustin-Archange Touadera has been provisionally declared the winner of the Central African Republic presidential vote, the country’s electoral authority announced on Tuesday. The National Authority of Elections said Touadera won more than 76% of the vote in the December 28 polls.
Turnout was roughly 52% in elections that also included national, municipal and local legislative contests. The authority said final results will be released in mid-January after any appeals are reviewed.
Vote Breakdown
Touadera’s main challenger, Anicet-Georges Dologuele, finished second with about 15%, while Henri-Marie Dondra placed third with approximately 3%. Dologuele has claimed victory and alleged major irregularities; Touadera’s camp called those accusations "false" and warned they risk provoking "unrest." Dondra has also urged annulment of the vote. Meanwhile, African Union observers reported that voting proceeded peacefully.
Stability Candidate
Touadera, 68, entered the ballot as the clear front-runner in a seven-candidate field after a 2023 constitutional change cleared the way for him to seek a third term. He campaigned as a stability candidate in a nation that has endured repeated civil wars, coups and authoritarian rule since independence from France in 1960.
Since first winning the presidency in 2016, Touadera has pointed to improvements in security, new paved roads, expanded public lighting on main avenues and renovated rainwater drainage in the capital. He also highlights initiatives such as rebuilding the army, expanding funding for higher education and offering free healthcare for women and young children—many projects supported by international partners.
Controversies And Political Tensions
Critics accuse Touadera of relying on Russian support and have nicknamed him "President Wagner" in reference to ties with Russian paramilitary actors operating in the country. In 2019 he signed a disputed peace accord with 14 armed groups that effectively integrated some armed leaders into government roles in exchange for disarmament of their militias.
The campaign period was marred by restrictions on opposition activity: Dologuele and Dondra were reportedly prevented from flying to provincial areas to hold rallies and were largely limited to local walkabouts, school events and party offices. Both faced the threat of disqualification over allegations of holding foreign citizenship.
Economic And Social Challenges
Major development challenges remain: roughly 71% of Central Africans live below the poverty line, facing limited access to basic services, poor or impassable roads, high unemployment, low education and training rates, and a rising cost of living.
The electoral authority’s provisional tally sets the stage for a potentially contested confirmation period as appeals are processed ahead of the final mid-January results.
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