Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has won a fourth term in office with 89.77% of the vote, according to provisional results released Monday, after an election marked by record-low turnout and the disqualification of key opposition figures.
The 83 ear old leader secured a dominant 89.7% of the vote, far ahead of his challengers.
Former Commerce Minister Jean-Louis Billon received 3%, while former First Lady Simone Gbagbo managed 2.4%, both conceding defeat soon after results were announced.
Billon congratulated Ouattara on Sunday, and Gbagbo followed on Monday, a gesture that helped maintain peace, avoiding a repeat of the violent post-election crisis of 2010.
This year’s election, however, was notable for its weakened opposition.
Prominent politicians Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam were disqualified, leaving the field largely open for Ouattara. The lack of strong challengers led to voter turnout hovering around 50%, highlighting widespread disinterest.“There was no reason to vote. Everything was already set up for Ouattara to win,” said a disappointed voter in Abidjan.
Political observers say the result underscores a growing pattern of “constitutional manipulation” and democratic decline in parts of West Africa.
Although Ouattara has driven strong economic growth during his time in office, his continued rule raises serious questions about political succession and stability in a country with a history of violent power struggles.
He has promised to support a “new generation of leaders,” but with internal divisions in his ruling party and no clear successor in sight, Ivory Coast’s political future remains uncertain.
