EXPLAINERNews|ElectionsIvory Coast presidential election: Who’s standing and what’s at stake?Tensions are mounting over President Ouattara’s decision to run for a fourth term and a ban on opposition candidates.

Ivory Coast will conduct its presidential election on Sat, Oct 25, 2025. This election is marked by the controversy surrounding incumbent President Alassane Ouattara's decision to run for a fourth term. The constitution limits presidents to two terms, but Ouattara claims constitutional amendments in 2016 reset term limits.

Ivory Coast is the world's leading producer of cocoa and cashew nuts and ranks as the second-largest economy in West Africa. The nation, located between Ghana and Liberia, features extensive rainforests and beachfronts. Abidjan serves as the commercial center, while Yamoussoukro is the political capital. The country’s population is approximately 32 million, with French as the official language, and several indigenous languages, including Bete and Baoule, are widely spoken.

The country has a history of electoral violence, most notably the 2011 civil war following a disputed election. Current tensions arise from the exclusion of key opposition figures from the election, leading to protests and a government crackdown. This includes the arrest of 237 individuals from the Common Front political movement. There is a significant deployment of police and military personnel to maintain order during the election.

Approximately 8.7 million registered voters are eligible to vote. A candidate must secure an absolute majority to win; otherwise, a second round will be conducted.

The Constitutional Council ruled that Tidjane Thiam, former Credit Suisse executive and a key opposition figure, could not run due to dual nationality issues. Although he renounced his French citizenship, it was deemed too late for candidacy eligibility.

Former President Laurent Gbagbo is barred from running due to a criminal conviction related to the 2011 civil unrest. Despite his acquittal at the International Criminal Court, his domestic legal issues preclude his participation.

President Ouattara, 83, leads the ruling Rally of Houphouetistes for Democracy and Peace. His administration is known for economic growth, with GDP increasing by an average of 8.2% annually during his tenure. Despite economic achievements, Ouattara’s decision to seek a fourth term has been contentious, particularly due to perceived constitutional violations.

Simone Gbagbo, 73, leads the Movement of Capable Generations. Her campaign focuses on healthcare and job opportunities, and she has criticized the current administration's handling of protests.

Jean-Louis Billon, 60, represents the Democratic Congress coalition. He advocates for generational change and increased private sector investment.

Formerly aligned with Gbagbo, Ahoua Don Mello is running independently. He was previously in self-exile and returned to the country in 2021.

Henriette Lagou Adjoua, 66, leads the Group of Political Partners for Peace. She emphasizes women's participation in politics and previously served briefly in Gbagbo’s administration.

Political Freedom and Election Violence

The government's exclusion of candidates and suppression of protests have raised concerns about political freedom. There is potential for election-related violence, particularly in opposition regions like Abidjan.

While economic growth has been robust, critics argue that prosperity is unevenly distributed. Rural areas lag in infrastructure and economic development compared to urban centers.

Regional instability, particularly from neighboring Sahel countries, poses a security threat. President Ouattara has increased military spending to bolster national defense capabilities.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.