On Monday, the Constitutional Court of the Central African Republic (CAR) declared Faustin Archange Touadera president for a third term, finding that he received some 78 percent of the vote in last month’s election. Touadera has been president of CAR since 2016.

Before provisional results were released on January 5, Touadéra’s opponents alleged he engaged in fraudulent election activity. His main opponent, Anicet-George Dologuélé, who contested results and alleged fraud, received 13.5 percent of votes with the the court rejecting his appeal.

President of the Constitutional Court Jean-Pierre Waboe announced “on behalf of the Central African people, the Constitutional Court declares Faustin Archange Toudéra president-elect in the first round with 77.9 percent of the vote.”

The national election authority stated that the December 28 election turnout was over 52 percent, approximately 2.4 million Central Africans. The vote included legislative, regional and municipal ballots. There were accusations that the election took place under Russian influence, due to ties between President Touadéra and Russia’s leadership.

In his previous term, Touadéra heavily relied on foreign military support—specifically Russian Wagner Group mercenaries and Rwandan troops—to secure capital city Bangui and bolster the national army (FACA) against armed rebel groups. He also orchestrated a 2023 constitutional referendum that removed presidential term limits, allowing him to run for a third term in 2025 among many others.

The Constitutional Court’s confirmation gives Touadéra’s continued presidency full legal authority, despite opposition claims of irregularities.