Central African Republic: Faustin-Archange Touadéra on the path to a “presidency for life”

In less than two weeks, on July 30, Central Africans will vote on a new draft Basic Law proposed by current President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. This “illegal” referendum according to the opposition will make it possible to increase the presidential mandate from five years limited to two mandates, to seven years without restriction.

In the Central African Republic, as the referendum for a new constitution approaches, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra submitted the draft text to the national leadership of the referendum campaign. The flagship measure concerns the presidential mandate which goes from five years limited to two terms to seven years without restriction.

The new text would allow the president to run for a third term. Instead of two five-year terms, the presidential term will increase to seven years without restriction. “There are two elements in a constitution: the history of a people and the geography of a people. However, we have always had constitutions which were imposed on us by historical contingencies. In other words, they come from outside, they are imposed on us, including regimes. “, said Aristide Reboas, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Central African Republic.

Article 67 of this new constitution allows a “ presidency for life », according to the opponents of the reform, reports RFI. President Touadéra will also be able to run again in 2025. And to compete in the next election, you will only need to have Central African nationality. Dual nationality will be prohibited by article 10, unless there is a legislative exception.