Voting began on Tuesday in the Central African Republic as citizens took part in the country’s 2025 general elections. The process started at 6:00 a.m. local time, with polling stations opening across the country. About 2.4 million registered voters are expected to take part in the vote.
The elections cover three levels of leadership. Voters are choosing a president, 140 members of the National Assembly, and local authority officials. A total of about 6,700 polling stations were deployed nationwide to support the exercise.
Reports from electoral authorities and observers indicate that voting is continuing without disruption. Participation has been recorded in both urban centres and outlying areas, including locations such as Bambari, which has experienced conflict in previous years. Election officials reported that materials arrived on time and polling staff were present at the opening of stations.
Seven candidates are contesting the presidency. President Faustin-Archange Touadéra is seeking another term after winning elections in 2016 and 2020. Other candidates include former Prime Ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra, alongside four additional contenders.
Under the constitution, the president serves a seven-year term. A candidate must secure “50% plus one vote” to win in the first round. If this threshold is not reached, a second round will be organised between the two leading candidates.
Voters are also electing members of the National Assembly, which is the country’s single legislative chamber. The parliamentary term is set at seven years. A total of 685 candidates are competing for the 140 seats. These candidates represent more than 40 political parties, alongside a large number of independent contenders, who account for nearly half of those standing.
Attention is focused on the Movement of United Hearts (MCU), which currently holds 61 seats from the 2020–2021 elections. Results from the vote will determine the direction of governance and representation in the country for the coming years.
