"Touadera's bid for a third term follows a 2023 constitutional referendum that removed the previous two-term presidential limit. Opponents and critics say the 68-year-old wants to maintain his grip on power for life. Touadera, a mathematician, was first elected in 2016 amid a deadly civil war. He was reelected in 2020 even as he faced allegations of fraud and an attempt by six rebel groups to overthrow the government."
"During his decade in office, Touadera has relied on Russian mercenaries and Rwandan soldiers for security support. CAR was the first country in West and Central Africa to bring in Russia's Wagner mercenaries in 2018. Security has been a central theme in Touadera's tenure and campaign. During this year's electoral campaign, mercenaries were deployed alongside the police and army in the streets of the capital, Bangui."
Presidential and multilevel elections are underway in the Central African Republic, with more than two million voters choosing a president plus national, regional and municipal lawmakers. Polling continues until 5 p.m. UTC and preliminary results are expected by January 5. President Faustin-Archange Touadera seeks a third term after a 2023 referendum removed the two-term limit. The opposition includes former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuele and Henri-Marie Dondra. Touadera has relied on Russian mercenaries and Rwandan soldiers for security, deploying mercenaries during the campaign. Peace deals earlier this year eased unrest but security gains remain fragile amid ongoing feuds.
#central-african-republic #presidential-election #russian-mercenaries-wagner #security-and-stability
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