The President of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, has been re-elected after securing nearly 54% of the votes.

The electoral commission said the results made a second round runoff unnecessary.

Former Prime Minister, Anicet George Pologuele, finished a distant second with just 21% of the votes, while Martin Ziguele finished third with 7% of the votes.

There were a total of 16 candidates running for president – including three women.

Opposition candidates have said the election was riddled with massive irregularities.