In a fiercely contested election that has drawn regional and international attention, President Alassane Ouattara has been declared winner of the Ivory Coast presidential election, securing a fourth term in office amid protests and accusations of electoral irregularities from opposition parties.
The Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) announced late Monday that Ouattara, candidate of the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), won with 58.7% of the total votes cast, defeating his main challengers, Pascal Affi N’Guessan of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) and Charles Blé Goudé of the Cojep party.
The election, held over the weekend, witnessed a relatively low voter turnout compared to previous polls, as some opposition supporters boycotted the process, citing concerns about the legality of Ouattara’s bid for another term.
Opposition leaders have since rejected the outcome, describing it as “a dangerous step toward autocracy.” They argue that Ouattara’s fourth-term ambition violates the spirit of the Ivorian Constitution, which was amended in 2016 to impose a two-term limit.
In his victory speech delivered at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan, Ouattara thanked citizens for their trust, promising to continue reforms aimed at maintaining political stability, expanding infrastructure, and boosting the country’s economy—the largest in Francophone West Africa.
> “This victory belongs to all Ivorians who believe in peace, unity, and progress. My commitment is to build a nation where every citizen feels included,” Ouattara said.
Meanwhile, sporadic demonstrations have been reported in parts of Abobo, Yopougon, and Bouaké, with security forces deployed to maintain order. The African Union and ECOWAS have urged calm, calling on all parties to resolve disputes through dialogue and legal means.
Political analysts warn that the outcome may deepen divisions in a country still healing from past election-related violence. However, Ouattara’s supporters maintain that his continued leadership ensures continuity in economic reforms and regional stability.
As Ivory Coast enters a new political chapter, the world will be watching how President Ouattara balances his legacy between democratic consolidation and the desire for lasting peace.
Alassane Ouattara Secures Fourth Term Victory in Ivory Coast Presidential Election Amid Opposition Protests
