The campaign for the general elections in the Central African Republic officially began this Saturday, December 13. For two weeks, candidates in the presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal elections will be tasked with winning over the more than two million registered voters. The focus is primarily on the presidential election , with seven candidates vying for the highest office.

Touadéra and Dologuélé kick things off

The outgoing president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra , candidate for his own succession under the banner of the United Hearts Movement (MCU), and his main rival, the leader of the opposition, Anicet-Georges Dologuélé , launched their campaigns from the early hours.

Touadéra's bet on continuity and the everyday

After a stopover in Sibut, 185 km north of the capital, Faustin-Archange Touadéra held a large rally at the Barthélemy-Boganda stadium in Bangui . The stadium was packed with enthusiastic supporters dressed in blue and white (the colours of the MCU).

The outgoing head of state focused his speech on the major concerns of

Central Africans :

1. Peace and security.
2. Employment and the cost of living.
3. Access to basic social services.

He affirmed his commitment to "continue what we have undertaken together to raise our country even higher." He also emphasized the importance of national unity.

“We have the capacity to transform our destiny. We can succeed if we move forward together with discipline, unity, and a sense of national community. The future of the Central African Republic does not belong to one man or one faction; it belongs to an entire people.”

Dologuélé is banking on proximity and breaking with tradition

For his part, Anicet-Georges Dologuélé , president of the Union for Central African Renewal (URCA), opted for a grassroots strategy by organizing a large march through Bangui.

During a speech at the Ama school, the leader of the opposition presented the main points of his program, focused on change:

1. Combating extreme poverty through "very specific and concrete projects".
2. Reconciliation between Central Africans, institutions and the administration.
3. Construction of infrastructure to attract the private sector.

He positioned himself as the man capable of turning the country around.

Other major players in the race

Another prominent candidate, former Prime Minister Henri-Marie Dondra (Republican Unity party - UNIR), held his first rally in Bangui's second district. His platform focuses on:

1. National solidarity .
2. The restoration of the rule of law .
3. The fight against impunity .

The themes of governance, peace, and development are already at the heart of the public debate. The election campaign will end on December 26 , just before the vote.