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On Sunday, the Central African Republic will undertake a significant quadruple election, encompassing the presidential race, national assembly, and local seats.

A Competitive Presidential Field

A field of seven contenders are vying for the top office, including former prime ministers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. The two were given approval to stand by the high court after being initially barred. Dologuélé finished second in the last two elections, while Dondra briefly served under the incumbent.

Challengers' Strategy and Voter Frustrations

The opposition aims to tap into widespread frustration in a nation where violence remains a constant threat. Over half a million people are internally displaced, with a similar number living as exiles in neighbouring countries.

"This is an chance to commend the remarkable recovery of the nation," noted a UN regional official, adding that challenges remain.

Touadéra's Expected Victory

Despite the competition, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a one-time academic, is largely predicted to secure another term. He first entered politics in 2008 when named prime minister, holding the post until a rebel coalition overthrew the government in 2013, triggering a civil war.

After a chaotic three-year interim, his reputation for neutrality from the warring factions powered his runoff win in 2016.

Security Concerns and Voting Challenges

There are fears that supply-chain issues and insecurity could mar the vote, especially in rural areas. The UN peacekeeping mission, Minusca, is offering protection and organizational aid that the state's crumbling infrastructure is unable to provide.

Further issues include the voter list being made available only digitally, a significant barrier in a country with scarce online access. These irregularities have led to an electoral boycott and could, according to observers, "disenfranchise large segments of the electorate."

Stakes of a Third Term

Many citizens fear that another term for Touadéra—enabled by a 2023 charter change that scrapped term limits and extended mandates—would mean greater influence for outside interests.

The president has relied on the private military group Wagner for his protection, and despite its founder's death, has pushed back against calls to fold its fighters into a new structure. Meanwhile, Rwanda has taken a different approach, focusing on commercial ventures within CAR.

Claims of National Disposal

Allegations have stated the government evicted its own soldiers from a World Bank-funded facility to make way for a foreign-run livestock operation. A critical editorial charged the leadership of being "intent on dispose of the nation piece by piece."

Despite a recent peace accord with rebel groups offering hope of calm, the election proceeds under a cloud of uncertainty and external rivalry.