ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire
Incumbent president, Alassane Ouattara, has been declared the winner of the presidential election, securing a fourth term with a commanding 81.5% of the vote, according to provisional results announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) on Monday.
The 83-year-old leader, who has governed since 2011, triumphed over four challengers in a poll marked by low turnout and logistical challenges, though the process was largely peaceful. The CEI reported that Ouattara garnered significant support, particularly in the pro-government north, where voter turnout appeared robust.
However, participation lagged in southern and western regions, traditional opposition strongholds, with an estimated turnout below 20%. Opposition candidates, including former commerce minister, Jean-Louis Billon, reported to have got 3.09%, former First Lady Simone Gbagbo, with 2.42%, and others, struggled to mobilise voters, a trend attributed to the absence of major opposition figures like Laurent Gbagbo, whose proxy was disqualified prior to the election.
The election process drew scrutiny due to logistical issues. The joint ECOWAS-African Union observation mission, led by former Nigerian vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, noted that while 67.79% of the 88 observed polling stations opened on time, 32.20% faced delays ranging from 10 minutes to an hour.
These were linked to late delivery of electoral materials, temporary absences of polling agents, and occasional biometric equipment malfunctions. Despite these challenges, the mission described the overall conduct as “generally satisfactory,” though it emphasised the need for improvements.
Ouattara’s victory extends his tenure, which began after a contentious 2010 election and was solidified by a 2020 constitutional amendment allowing a third term. His campaign focused on economic growth and stability, with supporters praising infrastructure development and foreign investment.
Critics argue, however, that his prolonged rule stifles political pluralism, with the disqualification of key rivals and pre-election tensions, which included arrests and isolated violence in opposition areas. Opposition leaders have expressed scepticism about the results, with some calling for an independent audit.
Henriette Lagou, a moderate contender, urged supporters to remain calm while awaiting the Constitutional Council’s validation, expected in the coming days. The low turnout has fuelled debates about voter apathy or a boycott, with analysts suggesting disillusionment following the 2010-2011 post-election crisis that claimed over 3,000 lives.
Internationally, reactions are mixed. The ECOWAS-AU mission has called for dialogue to address grievances, while regional leaders have congratulated Ouattara, insisting that the focus is on peace in Côte d’Ivoire. Human rights groups, however, have raised concerns about pre-election restrictions on opposition rallies and media access, urging transparency in the result validation process.
Ouattara’s supporters celebrate continued leadership, while opponents vow to challenge the outcome, which has set the stage for potential political tensions. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the election strengthens national unity or deepens existing divides.
