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On Sunday, the nation of CAR will hold a crucial quadruple election, encompassing the presidential race, national assembly, and municipal offices.

A Competitive Race for the Presidency

A field of seven contenders are competing for the presidency, including ex-premiers Anicet Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. The two were cleared to stand by the constitutional court after being initially barred. Dologuélé finished second in the last two elections, while Dondra had a short tenure under the current president.

Challengers' Strategy and Public Discontent

The challengers aims to capitalize on widespread frustration in a country where conflict remains a constant threat. Over half a million people are internally displaced, with a similar number living as exiles in neighbouring countries.

"This represents an chance to acknowledge the significant progress of the country," said a senior UN diplomat, though he added that challenges remain.

Touadéra's Expected Victory

Despite the competition, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a former mathematics professor, is widely expected to extend his run. He transitioned into politics in 2008 when named prime minister, serving until a insurgent alliance toppled the government in 2013, triggering a civil war.

After a chaotic three-year interim, his reputation for neutrality from the main militias fueled his runoff win in 2016.

Election Risks and Voting Challenges

Concerns persist that supply-chain issues and violence could mar the electoral process, especially in the countryside. The UN stabilization force, Minusca, is providing protection and logistical support that the state's crumbling infrastructure is unable to provide.

Further issues involve the voter list being made available only digitally, a major hurdle in a nation with scarce online access. These irregularities have led to an electoral boycott and could, according to observers, "disenfranchise large segments of the population."

Stakes of a Third Term

Many residents fear that another term for Touadéra—enabled by a 2023 charter change that scrapped term limits and lengthened mandates—would entail expanded sway for foreign actors.

The president has relied on the Russian mercenary group Wagner for his protection, and even after its founder's death, has resisted calls to fold its fighters into a new structure. In contrast, Rwanda has pursued a separate strategy, focusing on commercial ventures within CAR.

Allegations of Asset Sales

Allegations have claimed the government evicted its own soldiers from a World Bank-funded training centre to make way for a Rwandan agricultural project. A critical commentary accused the leadership of being "determined to sell off the country piece by piece."

Amid a newly signed agreement with rebel groups offering a glimmer of stabilization, the election proceeds under a cloud of doubt and geopolitical rivalry.