Ouattara Set for Fourth Term as Ivory Coast Election Sees Low Turnout, Opposition Boycott

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — President Alassane Ouattara appeared set for a fourth term after partial results from Saturday’s election showed him leading by a wide margin. The 83-year-old incumbent, in power since 2011, dominated his northern strongholds as opposition participation collapsed and turnout hit record lows, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said Sunday.

The IEC estimated national turnout at about 50 percent, similar to the disputed 2020 vote. Near-total participation was reported in the pro-Ouattara north, while polling stations in southern and western regions were largely empty. Observers noted minimal activity in Abidjan and San Pedro, where opposition voters heeded calls to boycott.

Former Commerce Minister Jean-Louis Billon, one of four challengers, conceded defeat Sunday night, congratulating Ouattara “on his announced victory.” He described the process as “peaceful and secure” but warned that irregularities and low turnout raised questions about legitimacy.

The contest was largely decided before election day. Two of Ouattara’s strongest rivals—former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex–Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam—were barred from running by the Constitutional Council. 

Gbagbo was excluded over a conviction linked to the 2010–2011 post-election crisis that killed more than 3,000 people, while Thiam was disqualified for dual nationality. Both denounced the rulings as politically motivated and urged supporters to boycott.

Thiam told Reuters the contest was “a coronation” for Ouattara. In contrast, civil society activist Pulchérie Gbalet told the BBC that “from the outset, there has been no election because the Constitutional Council chose the candidates and eliminated others unfairly.”

Preliminary IEC tallies showed Ouattara winning over 90 percent of votes in northern regions, including Kong—his birthplace—where he secured 99.7 percent. Similar results emerged in Ferkessedougou (98.1 percent) and Sinématiali (97.8 percent). 

In contrast, AFP reported deserted polling centers in Abidjan and other southern cities. Opposition party spokesman Simon Doho called it “a clear north-south divide,” urging reflection on the legitimacy of such a mandate.

Final results are expected on Monday, with the IEC due to proclaim the president-elect later in the day.

Voting was largely peaceful but marred by sporadic violence. In Grégbeu, a 13-year-old boy was killed after gunfire from a public transport vehicle—the fifth death tied to election unrest. In the southern village of Lopou, police clashed with demonstrators chanting “No to a fourth term.”

Interior Minister Vagondo Diomande said the incidents “had no major impact on the voting process.” Over 44,000 security officers were deployed nationwide under a partial curfew. 

Amnesty International criticized pre-election bans on demonstrations as “an infringement of civil liberties.”

A joint observer mission by ECOWAS and the African Union, led by former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, described the vote as “calm and peaceful” but flagged “uneven turnout.” 

U.N. envoy Leonardo Santos Simão urged authorities to “ensure transparency and uphold public trust.”

Ouattara campaigned on his economic record, citing annual GDP growth of 6–7 percent and record cocoa exports. Côte d’Ivoire remains one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies, though 38 percent of citizens live in poverty. Critics argue that prosperity is concentrated among elites.

Defending his decision to run again, Ouattara said the 2016 constitutional reform reset term limits. Opponents called the fourth-term bid unconstitutional. 

“Let’s keep stability,” government spokesperson Patrick Achi told Reuters. “The next generation will improve on what has been built.”

If confirmed, Ouattara’s victory would extend his rule to nearly two decades, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. He has pledged a “generational transition” during this term, focusing on security threats from the Sahel and consolidating economic gains.