Landslide Victory for 83-Year-Old President
Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara has secured a fourth term in office with a commanding victory, winning nearly 90 percent of the vote according to official results from the country's Independent Electoral Commission. The 83-year-old leader, who has been in power since 2011, received 89.77 percent of ballots cast in Saturday's election, cementing his position as one of Africa's longest-serving leaders.
The election outcome was widely anticipated after Ouattara's main political rivals were barred from running. Former president Laurent Gbagbo was excluded due to a criminal conviction, while opposition leader Tidjane Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse, was disqualified over nationality issues related to his acquisition of French citizenship. 'The people have spoken clearly in favor of stability and continued development,' Ouattara declared in his victory speech.
Low Turnout and Limited Opposition
Voter turnout was approximately 50 percent, similar to the 2020 election where Ouattara won 94 percent of votes. Of the roughly 8.5 million eligible voters, only about half participated in the electoral process. Former commerce minister Jean-Louis Billon came in second with just 3.09 percent of the vote, while former first lady Simone Gbagbo received 2.42 percent.
'This was essentially a one-horse race from the beginning,' said political analyst Kofi Abban. 'With the main opposition figures sidelined, there was never any real doubt about the outcome.'
Constitutional Controversy
Ouattara's fourth term has raised concerns about democratic norms in West Africa. The president first came to power in 2011 after disputed elections that left approximately 3,000 people dead. He oversaw a 2016 constitutional referendum that reset presidential term limits, allowing him to run for additional terms despite constitutional restrictions typically limiting presidents to two terms.
Critics accuse Ouattara of constitutional engineering to extend his rule. 'This represents another example of how aging leaders maintain power in Africa despite the continent's young population,' noted human rights activist Amina Diallo. 'The average age in Ivory Coast is under 20, yet we're governed by an 83-year-old.'
Economic Context
Despite overseeing economic growth averaging 6 percent annually and making Ivory Coast the world's largest cocoa producer, significant challenges remain. According to recent data, 37.5 percent of the country's 30 million people still live in poverty. The nation accounts for 40 percent of global cocoa supply, with export volumes reaching 1.679 million metric tons in the current season.
'The economic growth hasn't translated into widespread prosperity for ordinary Ivorians,' said economist Jean-Paul Kouame. 'While Ouattara has stabilized the economy since the post-election violence of 2010-2011, poverty reduction remains a major challenge.'
Regional Pattern of Aging Leadership
Ouattara's reelection fits a broader pattern across Africa where older leaders maintain extended rule. In Cameroon, 92-year-old Paul Biya has been in power since 1982. Uganda's Yoweri Museveni, 81, has governed since 1986. The record holder in Africa is President Teodoro Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, who came to power in 1979 at age 83.
This trend occurs despite Africa having the world's youngest population, with over 60 percent of the continent's people under age 25. 'There's a growing disconnect between the leadership and the demographic reality across many African nations,' observed regional analyst Fatoumata Bamba.
The election unfolded without major disruption, though hundreds were arrested during scattered protests. Ouattara has vowed to use his fourth term to facilitate a transition to a new generation of political leaders, though critics remain skeptical given his extended tenure.