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BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) \u2014 Voters in the Central African Republic<\/a> are electing a new president and federal lawmakers<\/a> Sunday with incumbent President Faustin Archange Touadera seen as likely to win a third term after trying to stabilize the country with the help of Russian mercenaries.<\/p>\n Touadera<\/a> is one of Russia\u2019s closest allies in Africa and analysts say a third term win for him would likely consolidate Russia\u2019s security and economic interests in the country even as Moscow faces growing scrutiny<\/a> over its mercenaries\u2019 roles in Africa.<\/p>\n The Central African Republic is among the first in Africa to welcome Russia-backed forces, with Moscow seeking to help protect authorities and fight armed groups. Tensions though have grown this year over Moscow\u2019s demand to replace the private Wagner mercenary group with the Russian military unit Africa Corps.<\/p>\n Some 2.4 million voters are registered to vote in Sunday\u2019s national elections, which include the presidential, legislative, regional as well as local elections being held for the first time in decades.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n