There are seven women in the new National Assembly

By Sophie HERVOUET | LNC

(Bangui, 4 May 2026 | LAMINE MEDIA) The new Central African National Assembly took office on 4 May 2026 in the chamber. Women account for 8.88% of the elected members of this 8th legislature. Of the 90 MPs, there are seven women, representing 8.8% of the total. This level of representation falls short of the expectations of several women leaders and national and international organisations. However, the former transitional president, Catherine Samba Panza, provided technical and financial support to several female candidates through her foundation. Yet the results achieved have not met expectations. An absurd law stipulates that women must account for at least 35% of representation in institutions. However, more than a third of the seats are vacant, due to postponed by-elections or unresolved electoral disputes. This situation deprives the eighth legislature of a significant portion of its national representation from the outset, raising questions about the legitimacy of the first votes that might be held there. Nevertheless, Touadéra has chosen to press ahead by setting the constitutional timetable in motion. The convening of the extraordinary session fulfils an institutional obligation: to swiftly provide the country with a functioning Parliament, capable of supporting the promised reforms and examining pending legislation. However, the new MPs’ room for manoeuvre is automatically reduced until the chamber is fully constituted.

For: LAMINE MEDIA (in FR and GB)

Date: 4 May 2026

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