Opposition alleges campaign obstruction ahead of Central African Republic elections

As the election campaign enters its final days in the Central African Republic, opposition candidates have accused the authorities of obstructing their campaign activities, raising fresh concerns over the credibility of the forthcoming vote.

Opposition figure, Georges Dologuélé, claims he was barred from holding a campaign rally at the Bouar Stadium, while former Prime Minister and presidential contender Henri-Marie Dondra says his movements have been deliberately restricted.

According to Africa news, Dondra alleges that he was prevented from boarding a plane to travel to the interior of the country to present his campaign programme.

Speaking to journalists, Dondra said the aircraft he had chartered and fully paid for was blocked by members of the presidential military, describing the incident as a deliberate attempt to undermine his campaign.

He warned that such actions were incompatible with democratic principles that require equal access to voters for all candidates.

The ruling United Hearts Movement (MCU) has dismissed the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.

Party spokesperson, Evariste Ngamana, insisted that opposition candidates continue to campaign freely across the country and rejected claims of travel restrictions, noting that the State does not control privately operated airlines.

Political analyst, Crescent Beninga, said the opposition is grappling with broader structural challenges beyond alleged obstruction, particularly limited financial resources.

He noted that with more than 6,000 polling stations nationwide, opposition parties faced difficulties deploying agents across the country, a factor that could affect election outcomes.

Beninga also pointed to poor transport links and weak internet connectivity in rural areas, which he said have hampered the opposition’s ability to effectively communicate their platforms beyond major urban centres, leaving many voters with limited choices.

With only days left before polling, political tensions are rising in Bangui and other parts of the country, as political actors and civil society organisations continue to call for calm, transparency and a peaceful electoral process.

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