A strike by workers at the National Election Authority (ANE) has halted the release of election results in the Central African Republic, creating new uncertainty around the country’s already delicate political situation.
Several ANE staff members report that IT personnel at the data processing centre are withholding the results of the April 26 second-round municipal, regional, and parliamentary elections. The announcement, initially expected on Monday, has been postponed due to more than two months of unpaid wages.
Employees say the salary backlog affects the entire workforce. Although delayed payments are common in the country’s underfunded public sector, they note that the current scale of arrears is highly unusual. The Central African Republic, one of the poorest countries globally, has frequently experienced strikes by civil servants, including teachers and administrative staff.
The elections form part of a wider electoral process that began on December 28 and were intended to help restore political normalcy after years of unrest following the 2010s civil war. With nearly 70 constituencies impacted, many candidates are left uncertain about their political future.
One of those awaiting results is former prime minister Anicet-Georges Dologuele, a prominent opposition leader who has been critical of President Faustin-Archange Touadera. He previously contested Touadera’s re-election, citing allegations of widespread irregularities.
In a related incident, Dologuele was reportedly stopped from traveling abroad on Tuesday, according to his legal representative. He was intercepted at Bangui airport while preparing to fly to Addis Ababa on an African Union invitation. Officials allegedly seized his diplomatic passport and informed him of a travel restriction without presenting any formal court directive.
As outlined in the 2023 constitution, the National Assembly consists of 144 members serving seven-year terms. In the first round of voting, the ruling United Hearts Movement won 50 seats, while independents and other parties secured the remaining positions.
The strike and rising political tensions could further hinder efforts to strengthen democratic stability in the country.