Touadera Wins Third Term Amid Election Controversy

President Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic has won a third term in office. Provisional results show he received 76.15% of the vote. The election was held on December 30. However, major opposition groups boycotted the vote. They called it unfair. International observers noted serious problems. Many citizens could not vote because of security threats. Armed groups control large parts of the country. The constitutional court must still confirm the results. This step is considered a formality. Touadera first became president in 2016. His next term will extend his rule until 2030. The country remains one of the world's poorest and most unstable nations.