Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has secured a third term in office after winning an outright majority in the country’s recent presidential election, according to provisional results released by the national electoral authority.

The 68-year-old leader, a former mathematics professor, obtained about 76 per cent of the votes cast in the December 28 general election. His victory had been widely anticipated, particularly after the main opposition coalition boycotted the polls, raising concerns about the credibility and fairness of the electoral process.

President Touadéra’s closest rivals, former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra, placed a distant second and third with approximately 15 per cent and 3 per cent of the vote respectively. Both candidates have rejected the provisional results and called for their annulment, alleging widespread irregularities and electoral fraud. Mr Dologuélé has described the process as a “methodical attempt to manipulate” the outcome.

The government has dismissed the allegations, insisting the election was conducted in line with the law. International observers described the polls as largely peaceful, despite logistical challenges, including delays in the delivery of voting materials and concerns about the accuracy of the voters’ register. More than 2.4 million citizens were registered to vote.

Touadéra campaigned largely on his security credentials, citing efforts to stabilise the chronically volatile country following the 2013 crisis in which rebel forces seized power and ousted then-President François Bozizé. His administration has relied heavily on support from Russian mercenaries and Rwandan troops to contain armed groups, a strategy that has drawn both domestic and international scrutiny.

His continued hold on power has also been controversial following the adoption of a new constitution in 2023 that removed presidential term limits, allowing him to seek re-election indefinitely. Critics argue the move weakened democratic safeguards, while supporters say it provides continuity in a fragile state.

The Constitutional Court has until January 20 to adjudicate any legal challenges and formally declare the final results of the election.

The Central African Republic remains one of Africa’s poorest and most unstable nations, despite abundant natural resources including diamonds, gold and uranium. The United Nations estimates that nearly half of the population depends on humanitarian assistance.

Analysts note that Touadéra’s re-election is likely to reinforce Russia’s influence in the country, where Moscow has provided security backing in exchange for access to strategic mineral resources. The CAR was among the first African states where Russia’s Wagner mercenary group became deeply involved in state security operations.