Ouattara Expected to Secure Fourth Term in Ivorian Presidential Election
Incumbent Alassane Ouattara anticipated to win re-election amidst opposition division and curtailed political activity.
Voting concluded on Saturday for the presidential election in Ivory Coast, with incumbent Alassane Ouattara poised to secure a fourth term against a fragmented opposition.
The electoral process saw significant hurdles placed upon key opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, who were barred from candidacy due to legal constraints and nationality considerations, respectively.
The elections were marked by low turnout in opposition strongholds within the southern and western regions of the country.
Some citizens, such as 26-year-old student Olivier in Abidjan's Blockhaus district, abstained from voting due to their disenfranchisement of preferred candidates.
An incident resulting in the death of a 13-year-old boy in Gregbeu further underscored tensions surrounding the electoral period.
The election took place against a backdrop of political suppression and security measures, including a nighttime curfew and the deployment of 44,000 security forces nationwide to maintain order.
The government's actions have been criticized by opposition groups, with former President Gbagbo calling the polls a 'civilian coup d'etat' and an 'electoral robbery.'
The political climate has been strained since Ouattara initially pledged not to seek a third term in 2015, only to reverse his position following the unexpected death of his designated successor, Amadou Gon Coulibaly.
This shift was supported by a constitutional revision that effectively reset his term count.
Ivory Coast, Africa's largest cocoa producer, has experienced periods of political turmoil since Ouattara took office in 2011, notably the contested 2010-2011 presidential election with Gbagbo which led to widespread violence.
Despite economic growth under Ouattara’s administration, critics argue that it benefits a limited portion of the population and is accompanied by rising living costs.
The outcome of this election is anticipated to reinforce Ouattara's grip on power amidst an opposition movement stifled by legal barriers and state measures.
Observers will continue to monitor developments for signs of unrest following the poll results.
The electoral process saw significant hurdles placed upon key opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, who were barred from candidacy due to legal constraints and nationality considerations, respectively.
The elections were marked by low turnout in opposition strongholds within the southern and western regions of the country.
Some citizens, such as 26-year-old student Olivier in Abidjan's Blockhaus district, abstained from voting due to their disenfranchisement of preferred candidates.
An incident resulting in the death of a 13-year-old boy in Gregbeu further underscored tensions surrounding the electoral period.
The election took place against a backdrop of political suppression and security measures, including a nighttime curfew and the deployment of 44,000 security forces nationwide to maintain order.
The government's actions have been criticized by opposition groups, with former President Gbagbo calling the polls a 'civilian coup d'etat' and an 'electoral robbery.'
The political climate has been strained since Ouattara initially pledged not to seek a third term in 2015, only to reverse his position following the unexpected death of his designated successor, Amadou Gon Coulibaly.
This shift was supported by a constitutional revision that effectively reset his term count.
Ivory Coast, Africa's largest cocoa producer, has experienced periods of political turmoil since Ouattara took office in 2011, notably the contested 2010-2011 presidential election with Gbagbo which led to widespread violence.
Despite economic growth under Ouattara’s administration, critics argue that it benefits a limited portion of the population and is accompanied by rising living costs.
The outcome of this election is anticipated to reinforce Ouattara's grip on power amidst an opposition movement stifled by legal barriers and state measures.
Observers will continue to monitor developments for signs of unrest following the poll results.
