On 28 December 2025, the Central African Republic experienced an unprecedented election day, marked by the simultaneous organisation of four major polls: the presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal elections. More than two million voters were called to the polls as part of this quadruple ballot, which represents a major turning point in the country’s democratic and institutional process.

A Peaceful Vote

Overall, the voting took place in a calm and orderly atmosphere across the entire national territory, despite some delays in the opening of certain polling stations, notably in Bangui and some localities in the interior of the country. Notably, even in regions previously affected by insecurity, such as Vakaga and Haut-Mbomou, electoral operations were able to take place in a peaceful climate, reflecting a relative improvement in the security situation. At several polling centres, large queues were observed, indicating genuine civic engagement.

Civic Participation

Voters’ participation was considered encouraging, with significant mobilisation of women in both urban and rural areas. Many voters expressed, through their participation, their desire to contribute to the country’s stability, the consolidation of peace, and the improvement of the socio-political situation. Both national and international observers praised the overall organisation of the polls and considered that the electoral operations took place without major incidents in the areas they were able to observe.

The National Election Authority (ANE) claims to have accredited more than 1,700 national and international observers, including the European Union observers, others from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and the African Union.

The Presidential Election

The presidential election was the focal point of this election day, with incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadéra standing for a third consecutive term following the 2023 constitutional revision that abolished term limits. Considered the favourite in the race, he faced six other candidates, including former Prime Ministers, in a context marked by the boycott of the main opposition coalition, which denounced what it considered to be unfair conditions.

Persistent Challenges

While the generally smooth conduct of the vote deserves to be commended, it is important to emphasise that structural challenges persist, particularly regarding the lasting stabilisation of the territory, with some areas still under the influence of armed groups. These challenges serve as a reminder that the electoral process is unfolding within a still fragile security context.

Decisive Role of MINUSCA

In this context, MINUSCA, in close coordination with the internal security forces, the Central African Armed Forces, and other international partners, played a decisive role. Its support covered both the securing of electoral operations, logistical assistance, the transport of electoral materials, as well as the deployment of patrols and police units to reassure the population. This multifaceted mobilisation greatly contributed to ensuring a safe environment conducive to the expression of suffrage, including in remote or sensitive areas.

According to the Minister of Finance and Budget, Hervé Ndoba, “another distinctive feature is that these elections were almost entirely financed by the state budget, thus demonstrating the country’s determination for sovereignty in this national democratic process.” The provisional results of the presidential election are expected at the beginning of January, with the possibility of a second round if no candidate secures the required absolute majority.