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Central African Republic Closes Polls as Vote Counting Begins in General Elections

Preliminary results are due January 5 following a calm, well‑run vote with high turnout, observers said.

Overview

  • Most polling stations closed around 16:00 local time and nationwide counting began, according to local broadcaster Lengo Songo.
  • Roughly 2.4 million eligible voters cast ballots for the presidency, the 140-seat National Assembly and local authorities at about 6,700 polling stations.
  • International observer missions, including from the European Union and African Union, reported no serious violations and said procedures complied with legal standards.
  • Security and logistics were reinforced by UN MINUSCA forces and Russian specialists, and a visiting Russian election official praised on-site transparency and organization.
  • Incumbent Faustin-Archange Touadéra is seeking a third term enabled by a 2023 constitutional change, facing six rivals including former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra.