ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — The campaign for Ivory Coast’s presidential election reached its climax on Thursday as candidates held their final rallies ahead of Saturday’s vote. The West African nation, home to 30 million people, is poised to decide whether incumbent President Alassane Ouattara will secure a fourth term, extending his leadership to nearly two decades. Ouattara, 83, is running under the banner of the ruling party, Rassemblement des Houphouetistes pour la Paix, with the slogan “For a Great Nation.” His campaign has been marked by confidence, as evidenced by his rally in Abidjan, where he addressed supporters overlooking the city’s new bridges, declaring, “The dogs are barking but the caravan has moved already.” The election has drawn 8.7 million registered voters, with four opposition parties challenging Ouattara, though analysts deem their chances slim. Key opposition figures, including former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam and ex-President Laurent Gbagbo, were disqualified, sparking nationwide protests and hundreds of arrests. As the election approaches, Abidjan has slowed down, with shops closing in anticipation of potential violence, a recurring issue in Ivorian elections. Streets are adorned with Ouattara’s campaign posters, while those of his opponents are scarce, reflecting his strong position. “Ouattara will win in the first round,” said Ange Ouattara, a 25-year-old supporter, dismissing the opposition as inconsequential. The election’s outcome will shape the future of this cocoa-rich nation, with tensions high and the stakes even higher.