Thousands of supporters of the ruling United Hearts Movement (MCU) filled the streets of Bangui on Thursday, October 2, 2025, to accompany President Faustin-Archange Touadéra as he officially submitted his candidacy to the National Elections Authority. The event marked the formal launch of his bid for another term in office ahead of presidential and legislative elections set for December 28 in the Central African Republic.
Touadéra, who was the first candidate to file his nomination papers, used the occasion to express gratitude to his supporters and to rally confidence ahead of the polls. “Today it is done, and I truly want to thank the Central African people for their support, for everything they have done to encourage me in this commitment,” he declared before the cheering crowd.
The incumbent president described the massive turnout as a sign of strong momentum that he believes will translate into votes on election day. “On December 28, I hope all this commitment, all this support, can be reflected in the ballot box. But I am confident. And I thank the political bureau; they have already submitted the file. According to the national executive secretariat, we have number 1,” Touadéra said.
For many of his supporters, the atmosphere carried historical weight. Théodora Zimongo, a Bangui resident, voiced her excitement: “My joy is immense. We, the Central African people, today came out from all corners of the capital, Bimbo and Begoua. For the first time, we stood behind our president to accompany him as he went to submit his candidacy to the National Elections Authority.”
The opposition, however, remains firmly critical of Touadéra’s decision to pursue a third term. Opposition leaders, united under a popular bloc, continue to press for dialogue before the elections, insisting that political consultation is necessary to guarantee that the upcoming polls are transparent, inclusive, and credible.
