Voting opened peacefully across the Central African Republic on Saturday for the country’s 2025 general elections. About 6,700 polling units began operations at 6:00 a.m. local time, with approximately 2.4 million registered voters expected to elect a president, members of the National Assembly, and local government officials.
Early reports from electoral authorities and observers indicated a calm and orderly process, with no major security incidents during the morning hours. Voting proceeded smoothly even in remote areas and regions previously affected by insecurity, such as the central city of Bambari.
Seven candidates are contesting the presidency. Incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadéra is seeking another term, having previously won in 2016 and 2020. His main challengers include former Prime Ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra, alongside four other candidates.
Under the constitution, the president serves a seven-year term and must secure an absolute majority of 50 per cent plus one vote to win outright. If no candidate achieves this, a runoff election will be held between the leading contenders.
Voters are also electing 140 members of the unicameral National Assembly, who will serve seven-year terms. The legislative contest is competitive, with 685 candidates vying for seats, including representatives from more than 40 political parties and a large number of independents, who make up nearly half of the field.
Observers are closely monitoring the performance of the ruling Movement of United Hearts (MCU), which dominated the 2020–2021 elections and currently holds 61 seats in the National Assembly.
