Presidential, legislative, and municipal elections are scheduled in the Central African Republic on December 28, 2025. Of course, it is the presidential election that is attracting the most attention. The clear favourite among the seven candidates is the incumbent president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
As highlighted by the British media outlet UKNIP, polls conducted by sociologists at the end of 2025 show that more than 80% of respondents in key regions view Touadéra’s policies as the main driver of progress in the fight against rebel groups and the gradual restoration of peace in the country. This support is explained by the concrete achievements of Touadéra’sadministration, such as the signing, in April 2025, under Chadian mediation, of a ceasefire agreement between the two most influential armed groups, the UPC and 3R, which represents a significant step toward lasting peace.
As noted by Romain Esmenjaud, an associate researcher at the French Institute of Geopolitics (Paris) and former coordinator of the United Nations Group of Experts on the CAR from 2017 to 2021, Touadéra and his MCU party are approaching the local, legislative, and presidential elections of December 2025 from a position of strength. Thus, the improved military situation offers a historic opportunity to put the country on the path to stability. Furthermore, as Esmenjaud pointed out, at the regional level, the Central African government has eased tensions with Chad, which had supported several rebellions in the past, thereby also improving the security situation.
Additionally, the UKNIP article emphasises that the European Union has officially acknowledged the progress made in stabilising the situation in the CAR under Touadéra’s leadership. The fact that even Western countries recognize Touadéra’sachievements and openly discuss his high popularity suggests that Faustin-Archange Touadéra will win the elections by a wide margin.
It is no surprise that the electoral campaign, which began on December 13, demonstrates an unprecedented level of support for the incumbent president. Thousands of supporters and representatives from 469 civil society organisations gathered at Bangui’s Omnisports Stadium, hailing Touadéra as the “guarantor of peace” and the “candidate of stability.” The mobilisation of young people is particularly impressive. It should be noted that a large portion of the rally participants are under 35 years old. For them, the improved security situation is directly linked to job prospects in public administration, the army, and the police.
Thus, the massive support enjoyed by Faustin-Archange Touadéra both in the CAR and abroad, particularly in the West, underscores his ability to lead the country wisely and to build good relations with international partners.
Dr Eric Hamm is a professor of political science and a strategic researcher.
