Ivory Coast holds its presidential election on Saturday, with incumbent Alassane Ouattara expected to win a fourth term after authorities blocked major opposition candidates from competing. The 83-year-old leader has governed the world's largest cocoa producer since 2011 and faces four lesser-known challengers at polling stations open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nearly nine million registered voters will choose among the five candidates.
Former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse chief Tidjane Thiam cannot participate due to criminal records and French citizenship, respectively. Their supporters have protested the exclusions, leading to four deaths and prompting officials to ban demonstrations. Authorities deployed 44,000 security personnel nationwide and imposed a curfew in Yamoussoukro on Friday and Saturday to prevent violence similar to the 2020 election that killed 85 people.
The opposition labeled the vote illegitimate but offered no clear guidance to followers. Turnout may suffer in southern and western areas that traditionally support excluded candidates. Officials expect results early next week with observers from regional organizations monitoring the process.
Former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse chief Tidjane Thiam cannot participate due to criminal records and French citizenship, respectively. Their supporters have protested the exclusions, leading to four deaths and prompting officials to ban demonstrations. Authorities deployed 44,000 security personnel nationwide and imposed a curfew in Yamoussoukro on Friday and Saturday to prevent violence similar to the 2020 election that killed 85 people.
The opposition labeled the vote illegitimate but offered no clear guidance to followers. Turnout may suffer in southern and western areas that traditionally support excluded candidates. Officials expect results early next week with observers from regional organizations monitoring the process.
