In a decisive yet contentious election, Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara, at the age of 83, has secured a remarkable 89.8% of the vote according to provisional results from the electoral commission. His nearest rival, businessman Jeal-Louis Billon, trailed significantly with just 3.09% of the votes cast.
This outcome, while appearing a landslide victory, comes on the heels of significant political maneuvering; key opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and credit expert Tidjane Thiam, were barred from running, prompting allegations of undemocratic practices. In light of their disqualification, Gbagbo and Thiam had called for a boycott of the election, which saw a disappointing voter turnout of only 50.1%.
The results remain provisional and will be subjected to review by the Constitutional Council, which will address potential election petitions. In response to the election's conduct, the opposition coalition, comprising the parties of Gbagbo and Thiam, labeled the event a civilian coup d'etat, signaling a flat refusal to acknowledge Ouattara's legitimacy as president.
Ouattara's tenure began in 2011, following Gbagbo's arrest after his rejection of election results in 2010. Although originally limited to two terms, he successfully secured a constitutional amendment in 2016 that allowed for his candidacy this year, an election previously boycotted by the opposition.
As the international community watches closely, concerns grow about the future of democracy in Ivory Coast under Ouattara's prolonged leadership amidst escalating political tensions and public disaffection.
