Anicet Georges Dologuélé, the runner-up in the Central African Republic (CAR) presidential election, rejected provisional results on Wednesday, alleging widespread manipulation by the National Elections Authority. Dologuélé claimed that more than half of the votes were not properly counted, saying the figures announced were “very far from the truth,” though he did not provide evidence. Provisional results show President Faustin-Archange Touadéra winning a third term with 76.1% of the vote, while Dologuélé received 14.6%.
Touadéra’s spokesperson, Evariste Ngamana, dismissed the allegations, calling Dologuélé a “sore loser.” Final results are expected on January 20. The major opposition coalition boycotted the vote following a referendum that removed presidential term limits. Former Prime Minister Henri Marie Dondra, who received 3.19% of the vote, also called for the election to be annulled, citing fraud and electoral violations.
CAR, plagued by armed groups, has relied on Russian security assistance, with the Wagner mercenary group protecting Touadéra. Tensions have grown, however, after Moscow demanded Wagner be replaced by the Russian African Corps. In a recent interview with TASS, Touadéra praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and invited him to visit CAR, calling him “a truly great leader for the entire global community.” The electoral dispute and security dynamics highlight ongoing political instability in CAR as Touadéra seeks to consolidate power amid opposition and international scrutiny.
