Ivory Coast Votes Today as Ouattara Seeks Fourth Term Amid Tensions
UPDATE: Ivory Coast is poised for a critical election today as President Alassane Ouattara seeks an unprecedented fourth term amidst rising tensions and allegations of an opposition clampdown. Voting is set to begin at 08:00 GMT and will conclude at 18:00 GMT, with 8.7 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots.
This election is particularly urgent as it occurs against a backdrop of protests and discontent over the exclusion of key opposition candidates. The absence of former contenders like Tidjane Thiam, a former Credit Suisse executive, and Laurent Gbagbo, a pivotal figure in Ivorian politics, has ignited public outrage, with hundreds arrested in recent demonstrations.
Turnout in previous elections has hovered just above 50%, raising concerns about voter engagement in a country that has seen significant political strife. As ballots are cast today, vote counting will commence immediately after polls close, with provisional results anticipated within 48 hours.
The stakes are high for Ouattara, who, at 83 years old, could extend his rule to nearly two decades if he secures victory. His party, the Rally of Houphouetistes for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), holds a commanding majority in parliament, controlling 169 out of 255 seats. While he has overseen economic growth of 6%, challenges remain, with 37.5% of the population living in poverty.
Allegations of an oppressive electoral atmosphere have marred the lead-up to the election, with the government deploying over 40,000 security personnel nationwide, restricting gatherings to only approved parties. Past electoral violence looms large, with memories of unrest that resulted in over 3,000 fatalities in 2010 and 2011 still fresh in the minds of many Ivorians.
“The geopolitical context is favorable to him,”
said Séverin Yao Kouamé, a research professor at the University of Bouaké. He noted that international attention has shifted away from Ivorian politics, allowing Ouattara to navigate this election with less scrutiny.
Among the candidates challenging Ouattara are Simone Gbagbo, the former first lady, and Jean-Louis Billion, a former commerce minister. However, analysts suggest that none present a formidable challenge to the incumbent president, who promises continuity in growth and infrastructure development.
As polling stations open, the world watches closely. This election is not just about leadership; it reflects broader issues of governance, youth unemployment, and the struggle for democratic integrity in a nation still recovering from civil conflict. The outcome could shape Ivory Coast’s trajectory for years to come.
Stay tuned for live updates as results come in and the implications of this pivotal election unfold.
