Abidjan – Voters in Côte d’Ivoire began casting their ballots in a calm presidential election,
amid widespread expectations that incumbent President Alassane Ouattara would win a fourth term.
In light of the opposition’s division and the absence of its most prominent figures from the race.
About 9 million voters participated in the voting process, in which five candidates competed
for the presidency of this African country, the world’s largest cocoa producer.
ساحل العاج ركيزة للاستقرار في منطقة غرب إفريقيا المضطربة بسبب الانقلابات والعنف الجهادي
Ouattara is the luckiest
Ouattara, 83, is not the favorite, but she does not rule out the main rivals,
Former President Laurent Gbagbo and international banker Tidjane Thiam
were barred from running by the Constitutional Council.
The decision sparked widespread protests among the opposition,
who described the incident as a “civilian coup” and “electoral theft.”
Despite calls for a boycott, some polling stations in the capital, Abidjan,
and other cities witnessed moderate turnout.
This is at a time when participation appeared more active in the northern regions that support Ouattara.
After casting his vote in Abidjan, Ouattara called on all citizens to participate massively.
After casting his vote in Abidjan, Ouattara called on all citizens to participate massively.
Stressing that “peace and stability are the cornerstone of development in Côte d’Ivoire.”
Economic challenges
The elections come at a time when the country is facing increasing economic
and security challenges, most notably escalating jihadist attacks in the north and rising living costs.
The official results are expected to be announced early next week.
Will the elections usher in a new era of stability or reopen the wounds of previous political crises?
