Central African Republic begins vote count after presidential election

Vote counting began in Bangui after a nationwide election held amid ongoing security concerns, with provisional results due by January 5. A presidential run-off will follow in February if no candidate wins an outright majority.

Reuters

December 29, 2025

Electoral workers count votes on the day of the presidential election at a polling station in Bangui, Central African Republic, December 28, 2025. REUTERS/ Leger Serge Kokpakpa

Leger Serge Kokpakpa/Reuters

Election officials in the Central African Republic began counting votes on Sunday (December 28) evening following the country's presidential election.

At a counting centre in Bangui, officials opened ballot boxes and poured the contents onto the floor before beginning the process of sorting and tallying the votes.

The presidential election was held alongside legislative, regional and municipal polls.

The election is taking place as the Central African Republic continues to face security challenges from armed groups that control large parts of the country.

Authorities say provisional results are expected to be announced by Jan. 5. If no presidential candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a run-off is scheduled for February 15.

Production: Leger Kokpakpa, Media Coulibaly, Ngouda Dione/Reuters

Election officials in the Central African Republic began counting votes on Sunday (December 28) evening following the country's presidential election.

At a counting centre in Bangui, officials opened ballot boxes and poured the contents onto the floor before beginning the process of sorting and tallying the votes.

The presidential election was held alongside legislative, regional and municipal polls.

The election is taking place as the Central African Republic continues to face security challenges from armed groups that control large parts of the country.

Authorities say provisional results are expected to be announced by Jan. 5. If no presidential candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a run-off is scheduled for February 15.

Production: Leger Kokpakpa, Media Coulibaly, Ngouda Dione/Reuters