Ivory Coast is set to vote in a presidential election on Saturday, with incumbent Alassane Ouattara, aged 83, claiming credit for nearly 15 years of economic growth and relative stability.

Ouattara, a former international banker and former deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund, took power in 2011 following a four-month civil war that resulted in approximately 3,000 fatalities.

The conflict was triggered by Laurent Gbagbo's refusal to acknowledge defeat in the 2010 election.

Ouattara has announced his candidacy for what he terms a 'generational transmission,' suggesting it may be his final campaign.

He emphasized this point during a recent lunch attended by journalists, as well as his prime minister and vice president, both of whom are also in their 70s.

Ouattara stated that the country needs to renew its team due to the challenges posed by age.

The median age in Ivory Coast is 18 years old, and many young voters express skepticism towards the political elite, citing persistent unemployment, economic inequality, and a lack of meaningful representation.

This sentiment has led some to support Simone Gbagbo, former first lady and Ouattara's highest-profile challenger at age 76.

Despite concerns regarding the political environment, this year’s campaign has been relatively calm with limited protests in locations such as Yamoussoukro.

However, Amnesty International criticized the government for a disproportionate ban on protests, resulting in hundreds of arrests, with sentences up to three years for offenses like disturbing public order.

Over eight million people are registered to vote on Saturday, with polling stations opening at 0800 GMT and closing at 1800 GMT.

Provisional results are expected within five days, with a runoff scheduled if no candidate secures more than 50% of the votes.