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The stage is set for a highly competitive presidential election in the Central African Republic after the nation’s highest court approved the candidacies of two prominent former prime ministers. President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who is seeking a third term after the abolition of term limits, will now face six rivals. The court dismissed attempts to block the candidacies of the two former prime ministers, Henri-Marie Dondra and Anicet-Georges Dologuele, over alleged dual citizenship, citing a lack of evidence. This ruling ensures a more inclusive political contest, a development closely watched by international partners advocating for democratic standards. Dologuele previously challenged Touadera in 2015 and 2020, while Dondra briefly served under him. Meanwhile, the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA recently renewed its mandate to help secure the polls.
Reuters