"As citizens of the Central African Republic (CAR) await the outcome of Sunday’s general election, many in the capital, Bangui, said they hope the vote will bring improvements to daily life after years of instability in one of the world's poorest nations. Residents cited deteriorating roads, unreliable electricity, and limited access to healthcare as pressing concerns, saying these challenges continue to hamper economic activity and daily life. “We expect change in all areas from the new president, whether it’s in education, health, or sustainable development,” said Aubain Siallo, a Bangui resident. “The problems facing our country are energy and access to electricity. I want the country to move in the right direction by creating infrastructure and energy, which will lead to job creation,” he said. Darelle, another resident, stressed improvements in these areas must be a priority. “The development of this country starts with electricity, roads, infrastructure, and bridge construction,” said Darelle, adding, “If everything goes well, we will applaud, but if it doesn’t work, there’s no point,” he said. Residents also highlighted weak public services and security concerns. Many said access to affordable healthcare remains uneven. “Currently, when you go to the hospital, the medical staff will tell you that you have to pay something before they let you see a doctor. So we are really expecting change in the area of healthcare from the future head of state,” Siallo said. The World Health Organisation has described the national health system as 'barely functioning', citing severe shortages of medicines and medical staff. Provisional election results are expected by January 5 in a vote widely seen as likely to extend President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s rule beyond two terms for the first time in the country’s history. Touadera, who oversaw a controversial 2023 referendum that removed presidential term limits, has campaigned on promises of peace, security, and infrastructure development. The president saw a boost in popularity earlier this year after signing peace deals in April with several militant groups, including the UPC (Union for Peace in the Central African Republic) and 3R (Return, Claim, Rehabilitation). He faces six opposition candidates, including former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuele and Henri-Marie Dondra. The main opposition coalition, known by its French acronym BRDC, boycotted the vote, citing conditions that they said were not conducive to a free and fair election. In addition to choosing a president, voters also cast ballots for national lawmakers, regional representatives and, for the first time in nearly four decades, municipal administrators."