Voters in the Central African Republic went to the polls on Sunday, December 28, 2025, to elect a President alongside federal, regional and municipal representatives in an unprecedented combined election.
Incumbent President Faustin Archange Touadéra, a close ally of Russia, is widely viewed as the frontrunner to secure a third term. The election involves approximately 2.4 million registered voters and is seen as a critical test of stability in a country long scarred by conflict. The voting process was largely calm, despite initial delays at some polling stations, with ballot counting beginning after polls closed around 7 p.m. local time. Electoral authorities have not yet released voter turnout figures, while provisional results are expected within a week. A runoff will be held if no candidate secures more than 50 per cent of the vote.
Touadéra faces six challengers, including former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. However, the main opposition coalition has boycotted the polls, citing an uneven political landscape, a factor analysts say further strengthens the incumbent’s prospects.
Backed by Russian security support, Touadéra has campaigned on a platform of peace, institutional stability and economic recovery in the landlocked nation of about 5.5 million people. His presidency has coincided with deepened Russian involvement, including the deployment of mercenaries, a partnership that continues to attract international scrutiny.
Security remains the dominant concern for voters. The United Nations peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, with around 14,000 troops and 3,000 police, is supporting election security and logistics, though its presence is expected to scale down due to budget constraints. Despite ongoing challenges, analysts note that the country is relatively more secure than during the last election cycle in 2020, reflecting a fragile but notable shift in a nation striving to move beyond decades of political upheaval and armed conflict.