Ivory Coast: Campaigns close as Ouattara eyes fourth term
Ivory Coast will hold its presidential election on Saturday, with President Alassane Ouattara, aged 83, seeking re-election. The election occurs amidst significant political tensions following the disqualification of key opposition figures, including…
Ivory Coast will hold its presidential election on Saturday, with President Alassane Ouattara, aged 83, seeking re-election. The election occurs amidst significant political tensions following the disqualification of key opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam.
The nation, home to a population of 32 million and recognized as a leading economic force in West Africa, faces a critical vote. The constitutional amendment in 2016, which removed presidential term limits, has positioned Ouattara with favorable chances of securing victory against four other candidates.
President Ouattara has pledged to address pressing security and economic issues within the country. However, opposition leaders criticize his administration for unmet expectations, attributing the exclusion of major opposition candidates to facilitating Ouattara's electoral success.
Ivory Coast will hold its presidential election on Saturday, with President Alassane Ouattara, aged 83, seeking re-election.
The exclusion of opposition leaders has sparked protests, which authorities have attempted to suppress. Hundreds of demonstrators have been detained, with several already receiving jail sentences.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
