Ivory Coast Votes in Pivotal Election Likely to Extend Ouattara’s Rule
Voters in Ivory Coast headed to the polls on Saturday in a tense presidential election widely expected to deliver a fourth term to incumbent Alassane Ouattara.
Polling stations opened at 8am across the West African nation, with nearly nine million eligible voters choosing from five candidates. Key opposition figures — former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex–Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam — were barred from contesting, a move critics say has tilted the race heavily in Ouattara’s favor.
Ouattara, 83, has been in power since 2011, presiding over strong economic growth but also deep political divisions. His decision to seek another term, despite constitutional limits of two, has drawn sharp criticism. The president argues that the 2016 constitutional amendment effectively “reset” his term count.
Security is tight, with 44,000 officers deployed nationwide amid opposition calls for a boycott and fears of unrest similar to the 2020 post-election violence that left at least 85 people dead.
Among the challengers are former Trade Minister Jean-Louis Billon, ex–first lady Simone Gbagbo, Pan-Africanist Ahoua Don Mello, and centrist Henriette Lagou Adjoua. None, however, are seen as serious threats to the ruling Rally of Houphouetistes for Democracy and Peace (RHDP).
Turnout will be crucial in determining the legitimacy of the vote. Results are expected early next week, with observers predicting Ouattara will likely win outright in the first round.
