BANGUI/NEW YORK – With landmark elections days away, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a global call for calm and credible voting in the Central African Republic (CAR), emphasizing the critical role of the polls for the nation’s fragile peace process.
A Pivotal Moment for Peace and Decentralization
In a statement ahead of the December 28 presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal elections, Guterres urged all Central Africans to participate peacefully. He specifically called on authorities and stakeholders to ensure the process is credible, inclusive, and orderly.
“The Secretary-General urges all stakeholders to refrain from actions that could incite violence or undermine the credibility of the process and underlines the importance of safeguarding the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the electoral period,” the UN statement said.
Guterres highlighted the municipal vote—the first of its kind since 1988—as a “historic milestone.” He noted it is a key provision of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, calling it a critical step toward consolidating the decentralization of state authority.
Elections Amidst Political and Security Challenges
The electoral process is unfolding in a complex environment. President Faustin-Archange Touadera, in power since 2016, is expected to seek a third term following a constitutional change that removed term limits—a move that earlier sparked protests.
Security remains a major concern, with armed groups active in several regions. While the government’s reliance on foreign security partners has provided relative stability, it has also raised questions about accountability. Furthermore, opposition figures and civil society groups have voiced concerns regarding fairness and equal access to the campaign process.
UN Support and Commitment
The Secretary-General acknowledged the support provided by UN agencies, including the UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), in assisting CAR authorities with the elections. He reaffirmed the world body’s ongoing commitment to backing the country’s efforts to strengthen democratic governance, stability, and peace.
With over two million registered voters, the conduct of these multifaceted elections will be a decisive test for CAR’s democratic trajectory and the durability of its hard-won peace.
