By Riches Soberekon
The European Union (EU) has voiced its concerns over the political situation in the Central African Republic, calling for “more inclusive and transparent democratic processes.”
This comes after the approval of a new Constitution that allows President Faustin Archange Touadéra to run for a third term in 2025.
Earlier this week, the Constitutional Court in the Central African Republic validated the draft Constitution, which had received over 95% approval in a July referendum.
The new Constitution removes the limit on presidential terms and extends their duration from five to seven years.
However, the opposition has strongly criticized these changes, accusing Touadéra of attempting to secure a “presidency for life.”
Peter Stano, the spokesperson for the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell, acknowledged the results of the constitutional referendum and expressed the EU’s concerns about the ongoing political polarization.
The EU is calling for greater inclusivity and transparency in the democratic processes of the Central African Republic.
The United States has also expressed reservations about the referendum turnout, urging the Central African authorities to announce a date for new elections.
Opposition parties, civil society organizations, and armed rebel groups had called for a boycott of the referendum.
In certain provinces, clashes between rebel groups and the army, supported by Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group, continue to persist.
It is worth noting that President Touadéra was first elected in 2016 and then re-elected in 2020 amidst significant controversy. During the last election, two-thirds of registered voters were unable to participate due to violence, leading to concerns about voter disenfranchisement.
The situation in the Central African Republic remains complex, with the EU and the United States urging for a more inclusive and transparent democratic process while opposition parties and rebel groups continue to voice their discontent.
