Central African Republic awaits referendum to curb term limits

BY USMAN AHMED KANEMPRESS

31ST JULY, 2023

Voters in the Central African Republic are expecting the results of a constitutional referendum which President Faustin-Archange Touadera hopes will end term limits.

The referendum results are expected within a week and the constitutional court will have to adopt it 21 days later.

If passed, the new constitution will increase presidential terms from five to seven years.

Also, it is expected to ban dual citizens from running for presidency, paving way for the role of a vice-president and scrap the senate.

The opposition had boycotted the process which concluded with the voting on Sunday, describing it as illegal.

President Touadera, in his final term in office, may be able to run for a third term if the referendum gets enough yes votes.

Supporters of Mr Touadera, backed by the Russian Wagner group, expressed the belief that the proposed changes will help enhance stability and development.

The opposition argued that it will help Touadera facilitate his hold on power and become a life president.