Court in the Central African Republic confirms Touadera’s re-election

Constitutional Court of the Central African Republic on Monday upheld President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s victory in a contentious election on December 28, granting him a third term.

“On behalf of the Central African people, the Constitutional Court declares Faustin Archange Touadera president-elect in the first round with 77.9% of the vote,” declared Jean-Pierre Waboe, President of the Constitutional Council, in response to accusations of fraud made by Touadera’s opponents even prior to the announcement of provisional results on January 5.

According to the electoral commission’s official figures, former prime minister Anicet-Georges Dologuele, Touadera’s primary opponent, received 13.5% of the vote.

Following the release of the preliminary results, Dologuele filed an appeal, which the Constitutional Court said was denied.

Last week, Touadera’s victory was confirmed by another contender, former Prime Minister Henri-Marie Dondra, who received 2.97% of the vote. He stated that he chose not to appeal, saying, “I made this decision to preserve peace and avoid reiniting tensions.” In order to reduce political tensions in the nation, I urge the president-elect to take the required steps to bring the people of Central Africa together and set up an honest discussion,” Dondra told Reuters.

Touadera, a 68-year-old mathematician who assumed power ten years ago, ran on a platform of security in the nation’s ongoing instability.

Russia, which has exchanged security support for access to riches like gold and diamonds, will probably benefit from his victory.