Ivory Coast vote count begins after divisive legislative elections

Vote Counting Underway in Ivory Coast Legislative Elections

Vote counting has commenced in Ivory Coast following the legislative elections to select 255 members of the National Assembly. This election is characterized by notable political divisions and residual tensions from the recent presidential election.

The parliamentary elections are occurring two months after President Alassane Ouattara secured a second term with over 90 percent of the vote. This outcome was contested by the opposition, which criticized the exclusion of several opposition figures from the presidential race due to court rulings.

These divisions are also evident in the legislative elections. The African Peoples’ Party (PPA-CI), associated with former president Laurent Gbagbo, boycotted the election, citing a lack of conditions for a credible and inclusive process.

More than 2,700 candidates participated in the polls, including nearly 800 independents. President Ouattara’s Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) is in a strong position to secure a majority. The RHDP, which dominates the outgoing National Assembly, fielded candidates in all constituencies nationwide.

Civil society groups note that the election results will be a significant indicator of the country's political balance. Koné Mamadou, chairman of the NGO Action Justice, indicated that the vote serves as a measure of true national support for both the ruling party and the opposition.

Attention is also directed toward the emergence of a potential third political force. Established in June 2024, the ADCI aims to establish itself as an alternative bloc. The party fielded 45 candidates, many of whom are young, and seeks to secure enough seats to form a parliamentary group and influence future legislative debates.

The final election results are expected to be announced between Mon, Dec 28, 2025, and Wed, Dec 30, 2025.

Based on reporting by Africanews.