Vote counting was underway late Saturday in Ivory Coast as citizens awaited results from a closely watched presidential election that could extend President Alassane Ouattara’s rule to nearly two decades.
The 83-year-old leader, who has overseen years of economic growth following the country’s civil war, is widely expected to secure another term after several major opposition figures were barred from contesting.
Low Turnout and Early Counting
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) reported an initial voter turnout of around 50%, though participation appeared significantly lower in several parts of Abidjan, according to local residents and journalists on the ground.
IEC Chair Ibrahime Kuibiert Coulibaly said official results were expected between Sunday and Monday.
Observers from the ECOWAS-African Union mission, led by former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, described the voting process as “calm and peaceful.” Most opposition candidates had yet to comment publicly on the conduct of the polls as of Saturday evening.
Ouattara’s Continued Dominance
Ouattara’s Rally of Houphouetistes for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party currently holds a majority in parliament, bolstering his political advantage. Since taking power in 2011, the longtime leader has overseen rapid economic recovery, with GDP growth averaging 6% annually, driven largely by the booming cocoa industry.
Despite these gains, challenges persist: 37.5% of Ivorians still live in poverty, and unemployment remains high among the country’s youthful population.
“I voted for Ouattara to show my love and support,” said Ouedraogo Issiaka, a 45-year-old scrap metal dealer in Abidjan. “But I understand those who didn’t vote because their preferred candidates were not allowed to run.”
Disputed Candidate Exclusions
The election took place against a backdrop of controversy over the exclusion of key opposition figures, including former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam and former president Laurent Gbagbo, both of whom retain substantial support bases.
The disqualifications prompted demonstrations and clashes in recent weeks, with hundreds reportedly arrested. Analysts warn the situation has revived memories of previous electoral crises that left thousands dead in 2010–2011 and nearly a hundred more in 2020.
Civil society leader Pulchérie Gbalet criticized the election process, arguing that the Constitutional Council had unfairly eliminated candidates on political grounds. “It is clear that from the outset, there has been no genuine election,” she said.
Ouattara has denied accusations of political repression, maintaining that his administration remains committed to democratic principles.
A Regional Context of Aging Leadership
Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term highlights a broader trend of long-serving African leaders holding onto power despite youthful populations across the continent. Comparable figures include Cameroon’s Paul Biya (92), Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni (81), and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (83).
Other Candidates and Campaign Promises
Four other contenders were approved to run, including Simone Gbagbo, the former first lady, and Jean-Louis Billon, a former commerce minister. Both have campaigned on job creation and agricultural reform, though analysts believe neither poses a significant threat to Ouattara’s dominance.
At his final campaign rally in Abidjan, Ouattara touted his administration’s record on infrastructure and economic stability.
“Our country has made great progress,” he told supporters. “The growth has been strong, but we must continue.”
As Ivory Coast awaits the official results, the vote is seen as a critical moment for the world’s largest cocoa producer testing not only the country’s democratic maturity but also its ability to balance economic success with political inclusivity.
