Controversy as Central African Republic President Gets Unlimited Terms in Power
The top court of the Central African Republic has officially endorsed the results of the July referendum, which extends the presidential term to seven years and eliminates re-election limits.
According to the court’s ruling, as observed by Excel Magazine International, an overwhelming 95% majority supported the referendum, with a voter turnout slightly above 57%.
The newly enacted legislation introduces the position of a vice-president, appointed by the president, and replaces the previous bicameral parliament with a unicameral one by abolishing the senate.
Additionally, the law prohibits individuals with dual citizenship from running for the presidency and increases the number of supreme court judges from nine to eleven.
Recall that last September, the committee responsible for drafting this legislation was dissolved by the top court, following the forced retirement of the court’s president, Daniele Darlan.
Opposition parties and civil society organizations within the country had called for a boycott of the referendum, alleging that the amended law was designed to enable President Faustin-Archange Touadéra to remain in power indefinitely.
They further accused the constitutional review committee of being influenced by Russia.
President Touadéra enjoys the support of Russian Wagner mercenaries, and additional fighters were deployed ahead of the referendum to ensure security.
The Central African Republic, a nation rich in diamonds and gold but landlocked, has grappled with conflict and political instability for the majority of its history since gaining independence from France in 1960.
