BANGUI-MOTABA – In a significant political development, Central African Republic President Faustin Archange Touadéra has secured a third term in office. The provisional results of last month’s election reveal his victory amid a contentious political climate.

The election, which followed a controversial referendum that removed term limits, was marked by the absence of the major opposition coalition. They chose to boycott the vote, citing an unjust political atmosphere that they believe undermined the fairness of the electoral process.

At 68 years old, President Touadéra emerged victorious, overcoming challenges from six other candidates. Despite the competitive field, he managed to capture a commanding 76.15% of the votes, according to the figures published by the election authority late on Monday.

This election was a historic event for the Central African Republic, as it was the first time citizens participated in a simultaneous vote covering all levels of government. Approximately 2.4 million registered voters had the opportunity to cast their ballots not only for the presidency but also for legislative, regional, and municipal positions, marking a new chapter in the country’s democratic process.

Some 2.4 million Central Africans were registered to vote in a first-of-its-kind election in the country, where citizens voted simultaneously for all tiers of government, including presidential, legislative, regional and municipal seats.

Two opposition candidates have already contested the results, citing instances of alleged malpractice by the National Elections Authority and widespread fraud. Anicet Georges Dologuélé, the runner-up who received 14.66% of the vote, proclaimed himself the winner of the election on Friday.

Analysts say Touadéra has consolidated power within state institutions.

The country has been embroiled in conflict since 2013 after mostly Muslim rebels seized power and forced then-President François Bozizé out of office. The conflict was de-escalated by a 2019 peace deal between the government and 14 armed groups. Six of the 14 groups later withdrew from the agreement.

The Central Africa Republic is one of the countries where Wagner, a Russian mercenary group, was first active in Africa. The group has been responsible for Touadéra’s security, but tensions have grown between Touadéra and Russia after Moscow demanded that Wagner be replaced with the Russian government-run African Corps.

Regional power Rwanda also plays an influential role in the country.

Security issues ranked high among voters’ concerns in the election, even though the crisis has dwindled. The United Nations peacekeeping mission MINUSCA, which has been present in the country since 2014, is facing a drawdown due to financial constraints.

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Ope Adetayo reported from Lagos, Nigeria.