MWE Correspondent
Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has secured a fourth term in office, capturing 89.77% of votes according to provisional results announced by the country’s Independent Electoral Commission on Monday.
The 83-year-old leader, who has held power since 2011, faced a significantly reduced field of challengers after prominent opposition figures were disqualified from the race.
Former President Laurent Gbagbo was barred from contesting due to a criminal conviction, while former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam was excluded after acquiring French citizenship. The exclusion of key rivals has drawn criticism from human rights groups and opposition supporters, who argued that the process limited political competition.
Approximately nine million Ivorians were eligible to vote, with voter turnout estimated at around 50%. Ouattara’s closest contender, Jean-Louis Billon, received just over 3% of the votes and conceded defeat shortly after the announcement. Despite the overwhelming margin, protests erupted in several cities during the campaign period, reflecting ongoing political tensions. Security forces reportedly detained a number of demonstrators.
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Ouattara, who previously led the country through periods of economic growth and post-conflict reconstruction, has pledged to continue development initiatives and promote stability during his new term. Analysts note, however, that the lack of a clear succession plan could pose challenges for Ivory Coast’s political landscape, particularly as the country prepares for the eventual transition of leadership.
The Constitutional Council is expected to confirm the final official results in the coming weeks. If upheld, Ouattara’s fourth term will extend his presidency until 2030, further solidifying his status as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Observers emphasize that the election underscores broader questions about political inclusion and democratic governance in Ivory Coast. While the vote demonstrates Ouattara’s continued dominance in national politics, the exclusion of major candidates has highlighted tensions between legal frameworks, political strategy, and citizens’ expectations for a transparent and competitive electoral process.
