Central African Republic elections Face Critical Test of democratic Principles Amidst Rising Concerns
The upcoming presidential and legislative elections in the Central African Republic (CAR) are unfolding under a cloud of escalating concerns regarding fairness, freedom of expression, and the potential for violence. While some observers note a marginal betterment in the security situation compared to recent years, a confluence of factors – including restrictions on opposition participation, online xenophobia, a shrinking UN peacekeeping presence, and politically motivated arrests – threatens to undermine the credibility of the vote and jeopardize the countryS fragile path towards stability.
A Skewed Playing Field: constraints on Opposition and Democratic Accountability
The election process is already facing accusations of being heavily biased in favor of the ruling Movement Cœurs Unis (MCU). Political figures have voiced deep anxieties about the integrity of the elections, with one politician telling Human Rights Watch, “We need checks on the executive. My fear is that these elections,already skewed,are a test of the principles of democratic accountability.”
This sentiment is fueled by significant hurdles placed before opposition candidates. Former Prime Minister Anicet Dologuélé was compelled to relinquish his French citizenship - a requirement for high office under CAR law – to even qualify for the presidential race. Though, even after meeting this condition, Dologuélé and other opposition figures have become targets of a concerning wave of online xenophobic rhetoric, with pro-government groups questioning the “authenticity” of Central African citizenship based on origin. This tactic mirrors similar online attacks witnessed before the 2023 constitutional referendum, which saw a significant escalation of unfriendly messaging.
Further exacerbating these concerns are reports of direct intimidation and harassment. Martin Dondra, another opposition candidate, reports that two of his brothers were arrested, with one remaining in custody without charge, allegedly due to their familial connection to him. Such actions raise serious questions about the impartiality of the justice system and the willingness of the authorities to allow for genuine political competition.
Diminishing International Oversight and a Vulnerable Civilian Population
The timing of these elections coincides with a planned drawdown of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Driven by budgetary constraints and a desire for greater national ownership, the reduction in MINUSCA’s presence – which includes a mandate to protect civilians, monitor human rights, and support elections – is raising alarm bells.
A reduced UN footprint could leave communities, particularly those in regions still grappling with the aftermath of years of conflict, vulnerable to coercion and retaliation by armed groups. Diplomatic sources in Bangui indicate that crucial election monitoring missions from the Economic and monetary Community of Central Africa and the International Institution of the Francophonie remain unconfirmed just weeks before the vote, possibly limiting oversight to the capital city. This lack of robust international observation significantly increases the risk of irregularities and undermines public trust in the electoral process.
A Fragile Improvement, But Vigilance Remains Crucial
Despite the pervasive concerns, some positive developments have been noted. Journalists and civil society activists report a relative easing of repression compared to previous periods.”Things are better than they were a few years ago, the repression has let up,” one journalist told Human Rights Watch. Though, this improvement is viewed with caution. There is a widespread fear that once the MCU consolidates its control over parliament and local offices, it will further restrict freedom of expression and limit open discussion of critical issues like government policy, security, and development.
Recommendations for a Credible Election and Sustainable Stability
To ensure a credible and inclusive election, and to safeguard the CAR’s fragile progress towards stability, the following steps are urgently needed:
* Remove Barriers to Opposition Participation: The government must immediately address all obstacles hindering the ability of opposition candidates to campaign freely and equitably.
* Guarantee Equal Media Access: All candidates must be granted fair and equal access to state-controlled media.
* Release Arbitrarily Detained individuals: Individuals detained without credible legal justification, including the brother of Martin Dondra, should be released immediately.
* Strengthen International Monitoring: International partners must prioritize robust monitoring of the elections, ensuring adherence to international standards.
* Reconsider MINUSCA Drawdown: The planned reduction in MINUSCA’s forces should be reconsidered, particularly given the potential for increased violence and the limited capacity of national security forces.
as Human Rights Watch’s Mudge aptly states, ”The Central African Republic stands at crossroads, and credible elections cannot occur when legitimate concerns are unaddressed.” The future of the CAR hinges on a political process that genuinely reflects the will of all its communities, not just those with access to power. A truly inclusive and competitive election is not merely a procedural requirement, but a basic step towards lasting
