As the Ivory Coast awaits complete results from the presidential elections, the electoral commission has released initial figures suggesting a significant victory for incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, who would begin a fourth term at the age of 83.
Approximately 9 million voters participated in the election held on Sunday in the Ivory Coast, aiming to choose their next leader.
Political analysts largely anticipated that the outcome would not diverge from the current administration, with Ouattara poised to maintain his position.
According to the early results from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Ouattara is leading with a substantial margin over the other four candidates. In his strongest areas of support, he garnered over 90% of the votes.
The IEC is still in the process of counting ballots across various districts. If these preliminary results hold, Ouattara will continue his presidency at 83 years old.
His administration has faced controversy, particularly due to the suppression of protests against his lengthy rule and increasingly authoritarian governance in recent months.
Criticism has also arisen from his decision to exclude two prominent opposition figures from the election. Tidjane Thiam and Laurent Gbagbo were barred from running based on nationality and criminal record issues, respectively. While four other opposition candidates, including Gbagbo’s wife, Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, participated, none had the resources or recognition to significantly challenge Ouattara.
The final election results are expected to be announced by the IEC on Monday.
SOURCE: AFRICA NEWS.COM
