In an extraordinary moment of democratic progress, the Central African Republic (CAR) successfully conducted its first-ever combined presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal elections, demonstrating remarkable resilience in challenging terrain.

The United Nations peacekeeping mission MINUSCA reported that more than 99% of polling stations opened precisely as scheduled on December 28, marking a pivotal milestone in the nation's political journey. Electoral materials were meticulously delivered to 6,679 of 6,700 polling stations across 20 prefectures, enabling widespread citizen participation.

Logistical challenges were immense in the vast, landlocked country with its dense forests and long, often impassable roads. MINUSCA orchestrated an impressive operational feat, executing 84 flights and eight road convoys to transport over 230 tonnes of electoral materials, ensuring voting could proceed in even the most remote regions.

The mission trained approximately 34,500 electoral personnel, including agents, supervisors, and polling station staff. Security was reinforced through additional national troops and police deployments, supported by UN peacekeepers who provided vehicles and motorcycles to reach isolated communities.

Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza acknowledged the mission's successful navigation of a complex environment, though she strongly condemned an attack in Bambouti's Haut-Mbomou prefecture that prevented voting due to an armed group's interference. The National Elections Authority is expected to announce preliminary presidential results on January 5, 2026.

Municipal elections, notably unheeded since 1988, represented a critical component of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. By bringing together four distinct ballot types, CAR demonstrated a profound commitment to democratic processes and national unity.