Ivorians headed to the polls on Saturday in a tense
presidential election, with incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, 83,
seeking a fourth term in office. Nearly nine million voters are
eligible, and turnout will be crucial as Ouattara aims to avoid a runoff.
His main challengers, former president Laurent
Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, were barred from
contesting — Gbagbo due to a criminal conviction and Thiam for holding French
nationality.
The exclusion of major opposition figures has fueled protests
and sporadic violence, prompting authorities to ban rallies, impose a
night-time curfew, and deploy 44,000 security personnel nationwide.
Four people, including a police officer, have been killed in recent unrest.
Despite the tensions, many voters expressed hope for a
peaceful process. “We are voting today in peace. Our hope is for the day to
pass without incident,” said a voter in Bouake.
Ouattara’s campaign has emphasized stability and
economic growth, while critics accuse his government of stifling dissent and
worsening inequality.
Four other candidates — Jean-Louis Billon, Simone
Gbagbo, Ahoua Don Mello, and Henriette Lagou — are in the race, though none
command the reach of Ouattara’s ruling RHDP party.
Results are expected early next week, with
observers from the African Union and ECOWAS monitoring the vote.
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