Preliminary election results indicate that Head of State Faustin Touadera of the Central African Republic has won a 3rd term by an clear majority.
The 68-year-old leader, a former mathematics professor, was widely expected to win after the main rival coalition withdrew from the poll, citing worries over vote fairness.
The president's re-election bid focused significantly on his security record in a chronically volatile country.
"There was a systematic effort to influence the result," alleged rival candidate Anicet Dologuélé.
He has faced significant backlash since a constitutional change removed term limits, allowing his continued run for power.
More than 2.4 million voters were enrolled for the 28 December presidential vote, which observers called largely calm notwithstanding logistical delays.
Based on provisional figures, Touadéra secured 76% of the ballots.
Both opponents have demanded the results to be annulled, claiming extensive irregularities and electoral fraud.
The government has firmly denied these allegations.
The CAR remains one of Africa's poorest and most volatile nations, despite its abundance of natural resources like precious stones and uranium.
The interior country has been mired in violence since rebels seized power.
A 2019 agreement contributed to reduce tensions, though several rebel factions later pulled out from the pact.
Observers suggest that Touadéra's victory could strengthen the influence of the Russian Federation, which has offered military support in exchange for access to valuable assets.
The CAR was among the earliest African states where the Russia-linked private military company Wagner became operational, providing security to Touadéra's government.
The Constitutional Court has until 20 January to rule on any appeals and proclaim the official results.
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