An election is happening where the president changed the rules to stay in power. The Central African Republic voted, with President Archange Touadéra aiming for a third term after eliminating constitutional term limits last year. His main rivals are two former prime ministers, Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra, who almost got disqualified on citizenship claims. Analysts say Touadéra is favored to win due to his grip on state resources and his security platform, backed by Russian military support.
Opponents protested the term-limit change, calling it a life-presidency grab. The field includes six candidates in total. If no one secures over half the vote, a runoff happens in February. Provisional results are due early next month, with legislative runoffs set for April. Observers predict possible unrest after the vote, expecting challenges to what is seen as Touadéra's inevitable victory.
Opponents protested the term-limit change, calling it a life-presidency grab. The field includes six candidates in total. If no one secures over half the vote, a runoff happens in February. Provisional results are due early next month, with legislative runoffs set for April. Observers predict possible unrest after the vote, expecting challenges to what is seen as Touadéra's inevitable victory.
