Ivory Coast is set to hold a pivotal presidential election on Saturday, with incumbent President Alassane Ouattara vying for a fourth term amidst significant political tension. The election, scheduled to run from 0800 to 1800 GMT, will see 8.7 million registered voters cast their ballots. However, the process has been overshadowed by the exclusion of key opposition figures, sparking widespread protests and raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. Ouattara, 83, who has led the world’s largest cocoa producer since 2011, is widely expected to retain power, extending his rule to nearly two decades. His party, the Rally of Houphouetistes for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), already holds a majority in parliament, further consolidating his position. Despite overseeing economic growth averaging 6% annually, challenges such as poverty, which affects 37.5% of the population, and youth unemployment persist. The election has also drawn attention to the broader trend of aging leaders in Africa, with figures like Cameroon’s Paul Biya, 92, and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, 81, continuing to dominate the political landscape. The build-up to the vote has been marked by unrest, with hundreds arrested during protests against the disqualification of prominent candidates like Tidjane Thiam and Laurent Gbagbo. The government has deployed over 40,000 security personnel to maintain order, but fears of electoral violence reminiscent of past crises remain. Ouattara has denied allegations of suppressing opposition and has emphasized his achievements in infrastructure and public sector investment. The international community, including former colonial ruler France, has largely remained silent, focusing on other priorities. With four other candidates, including former first lady Simone Gbagbo and ex-commerce minister Jean-Louis Billion, in the race, analysts predict a decisive victory for Ouattara, who has pledged to continue driving economic growth.
Ivory Coast’s Ouattara seeks fourth term as allegations of opposition clampdown rise
