President Faustin‑Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic (CAR) has secured a third term in office following the presidential election held on December 28, 2025. Provisional results released by the National Elections Authority (ANE) showed that Touadéra garnered 76.15 percent of the vote, defeating several challengers and consolidating his hold on power.
The announcement was made late on January 5–6, 2026, during a formal proclamation event by election officials in Bangui. Voter turnout was reported at approximately 52.42 percent of nearly 2.4 million registered voters.
Touadéra, a former mathematics professor and incumbent leader since March 2016, ran as the candidate of the United Hearts Movement. His two most prominent opponents were:
Anicet‑Georges Dologuélé, a former prime minister, who received 14.66 percent of the vote.
Henri‑Marie Dondra, also a former prime minister, who received 3.19 percent.
Addressing supporters shortly after the results were announced, Touadéra said: “Thank you to the people of the Central African Republic. With 76.15 percent of the vote obtained in the first round … your determination deserves to be commended. Together, we will continue the work.”
Constitutional Changes and Term Extension
Touadéra was able to seek a third term following a constitutional referendum in 2023 that removed presidential term limits and extended the presidential mandate to seven years, a change criticized by opposition figures as consolidating executive power.
The revised constitution was later upheld by the Constitutional Court, clearing the way for his candidacy in the December poll.
Political and Security Context
Touadéra’s campaign emphasized restoring peace and security in a nation long plagued by conflict and fragmented by armed groups. His government has relied on security support from external partners, including Russian military assistance and Rwandan forces, which analysts say helped tip the balance in favor of state control and enabled the election to proceed.
Several opposition leaders rejected the provisional results, alleging irregularities and questioning the fairness of the electoral environment. Some called for annulment of the vote, citing concerns about election administration and political conditions.
Despite these challenges, observers from the African Union characterized the election process as relatively peaceful compared with past votes, noting improvements in administrative procedures.
Next Steps
Final results from the election will be certified after review by the Constitutional Court, which has a statutory deadline in mid‑January to rule on any legal challenges to the outcome.
If confirmed, Touadéra’s third term could extend his leadership through 2033, shaping the CAR’s political trajectory amid ongoing efforts to address longstanding economic, security, and governance challenges.
