Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera is running for a controversial third term in an election where he is considered the favorite to win.
After a decade in power, the 68-year-old is able to seek re-election following a 2023 constitutional referendum that successfully removed presidential term limits, a move opposition parties argue could allow him to stay in power for life.
Touadera’s tenure has been marked by a close security partnership with Russia, which has provided mercenary support since 2018 in exchange for access to the nation’s rich gold and mineral resources.
Campaigning on a platform of improved security and infrastructure investment, the president points to a reduction in violence and recent deals, such as bringing Starlink to the country.
However, critics and human rights organizations point to the fragility of these security gains, the high cost of Russian assistance, and accusations of torture and executions by allied mercenaries.
Despite some economic growth and unique initiatives like adopting bitcoin as legal tender, two-thirds of the population remained in extreme poverty as of 2023.
