Amanze Chinonye
President Alassane Ouattara has secured a fourth term in office, winning 89.77 percent of the vote in Saturday’s presidential election, the country’s Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) confirmed on Monday.
Entrepreneur Jean-Louis Billon finished a distant second with 3.09 percent of the vote, while Simone Gbagbo of the MGC party garnered around 2.4 percent. Billon conceded defeat shortly after the provisional results were announced.
Nearly nine million Ivorians were eligible to vote in the world’s top cocoa-producing nation. Voter turnout stood at approximately 50 percent, similar to the 2020 election but significantly lower than the 81 percent recorded in 2010.
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Low participation was partly attributed to the exclusion of prominent opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, from running.
Despite concerns about potential unrest due to the disqualifications, voting proceeded peacefully. Observers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union reported a calm election day, with no major incidents.
Ouattara dominated the northern regions, where turnout neared 100 percent, and made surprising gains in southern areas and parts of Abidjan, traditionally opposition strongholds.
First elected in 2011 following a post-election crisis that left over 3,000 people dead, Ouattara, 82, has been credited with reviving the country’s economy, largely driven by cocoa exports.
Critics, however, argue that his administration has consolidated power and weakened democratic institutions. A 2016 constitutional referendum allowed Ouattara to reset term limits, enabling him to seek additional terms.
Ouattara’s victory highlights his continued grip on power in a country that has largely avoided the coups and insurgencies destabilizing other parts of West Africa.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
