Peaceful Voting Underway in Central African Republic as 2025 General Elections Commence, Reports Réseau Arc-en-Ciel

Core Viewpoint - Voting has officially commenced in the Central African Republic for general elections, with initial reports indicating a peaceful atmosphere and no serious incidents reported [1][2]. Group 1: Election Process - Approximately 2.4 million eligible voters are expected to participate in the elections, which include the selection of a president, National Assembly members, and local authority representatives [2]. - Polls opened at 6:00 a.m. local time across 6,700 polling stations, with orderly voting reported even in remote and previously insecure areas [2]. Group 2: Presidential Election - Seven candidates are competing for the presidency, including incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who is seeking re-election after victories in 2016 and 2020 [3]. - The primary competitors to Touadéra are former Prime Ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra [3]. Group 3: Election Rules - The presidential mandate is for a seven-year term, requiring an absolute majority (50% plus one vote) to win in the first round; otherwise, a runoff election will occur [4]. - Voters are also electing 140 deputies to the National Assembly, which has a similar seven-year term [4]. Group 4: Legislative Election - The legislative election features 685 candidates from over 40 political parties, with a significant number of independent candidates making up nearly half of the field [5]. - The Movement of United Hearts (MCU), which held 61 seats after the 2020–2021 elections, is projected to remain a dominant force in the legislature [5].