The Central African Republic (CAR) has postponed its August 2025 local elections to December, causing ongoing tensions, opposition boycott calls, and deepening mistrust in the electoral process.
At a meeting of the Strategic Committee on 11 July 2025, Prime Minister Félix Moloua confirmed the postponement.
Furthermore, the presidential and parliamentary votes scheduled for December 2025 will now coincide with the elections.
The Central African Republic has not held a local election since 1988, and multiple postponements have occurred since 2022.
The National Elections Authority (ANE) brought up issues with technology and budget deficits.
FUNDING AND ORGANISATIONAL FAILURES
ANE failed to finish the electoral register by the 29 May 2025 deadline.
The administration was unable to gather the electorate by the decree’s deadline of 4 June 2025.
A United Nations (UN) expert, Yao Agbetse, expressed concern about serious issues impacting ANE operations.
In addition, election funding only covers local elections; it does not cover the costs of presidential and legislative campaigns.
Furthermore, staff deployment inaccuracy and contracting delays have seriously hampered the preparations.
OPPOSITION WITHIN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
The opposition alliance, BRDC (Republican Bloc for the Defence of the Constitution), has suggested talks with President Touadéra and called for a comprehensive overhaul of the electoral authority.
To increase transparency, Touadéra started biometric voter registration in 2024.
UN experts and Security Council briefings indicate calls for “urgent institutional reform” and improved preparations ahead of elections planned for December 2025.
As of mid-2025, several registration centres had remained closed due to insecurity, and the electoral register had not been finalised in multiple prefectures, according to UN expert Yao Agbetse.
The BRDC criticised ANE, questioning its ability to manage the electoral process and calling for its restructuring.
PEACE PROCESS AND RECONCILIATION
The rebel leaders Ali Darass and Sembe Bobo formally dissolved their armed factions on 10 July 2025.
They pledged to promote reconciliation during a ceremony officiated by President Touadéra.
According to the UN, elections are crucial to preserving peace and establishing a democratic government.
The Central African Republic continues to rank among the world’s poorest nations despite its wealth of mineral resources.
It is recommended that international partners increase their backing for reliable electoral procedures.
SHOULD CAR PRIORITISE ELECTORAL REFORM BEFORE DECEMBER’S VOTE?
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