₦airaland Forum

The Bureau News reports that Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has secured a controversial fourth term in office, winning 89.77% of the vote in an election marred by political tension and boycotts, according to provisional results announced by the electoral commission on Monday. The poll, which saw nearly nine million voters cast their ballots, was overshadowed by the exclusion of key rivals Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, who were both barred from contesting.

Low Turnout and Deep Political Divides

While turnout averaged just over 50%, participation varied widely. In Ouattara’s northern strongholds, voter turnout neared 100%, but in traditionally opposition-leaning regions — including parts of Abidjan and the southern city of Gagnoa — only 20% of eligible voters participated. Observers say this reflects both political fatigue and deliberate disengagement following weeks of unrest.

“The absence of major opposition figures, coupled with heightened tension before election day, discouraged participation,” said William Assanvo of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). “Many voters stayed home, skeptical of the process.”

Barred Rivals and Legitimacy Questions

Former president Laurent Gbagbo was excluded due to a prior criminal conviction, while ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam was disqualified for holding French nationality. Both men had called for a boycott, arguing that Ouattara’s continued rule undermined constitutional limits and democratic competition.

Political analyst Geoffroy Kouao told The Bureau News that “the turnout rate shows two things — strong mobilisation in pro-Ouattara areas and complete withdrawal by the opposition base.”

Opposition Rejects Results, Calls for Fresh Election

Leading opposition voices have rejected the outcome, denying “any legitimacy” to Ouattara’s victory and demanding fresh elections. Entrepreneur Jean-Louis Billon, who came second with just 3.09% of the vote, acknowledged “very low turnout in some regions” but offered cautious congratulations to the incumbent.

Despite deploying 44,000 security personnel and imposing night-time curfews in several areas, the election period witnessed violence. At least eight people were reported killed and nearly two dozen injured in election-day clashes at more than 200 polling stations.

Historical Context and Fragile Stability

Ivory Coast’s presidential contests have historically been fraught with volatility. Ouattara first came to power following the disputed 2010–2011 election against Gbagbo, a crisis that left over 3,000 people dead. His leadership since 2011 has been credited with stabilising the economy, yet critics say his fourth term marks a dangerous concentration of power in a country still healing from past divisions.

On Monday, Abidjan’s streets returned to relative normalcy after a tense and unusually quiet weekend. “The Ivorians said NO to prophets of doom,” headlined Patriote, a pro-government newspaper. In contrast, opposition paper Notre Voie described the poll as “an election reflecting a divided country.”

Regional Reactions and International Watch

West African observers, including ECOWAS and the African Union, have called for calm and restraint, urging political actors to prioritise dialogue over confrontation. Analysts say Ivory Coast’s stability remains vital to the region’s economic and security balance.

For now, Ouattara’s sweeping victory may consolidate control in the short term — but without reconciliation and reform, The Bureau News notes, the country risks replaying its painful political past under a veneer of democratic order.

Sources: The Bureau News

Like Ivory Coast Like America.

Where's Gbagbo?
People forget easily.

But if Ivorians like him that much, good luck to them!

To every mallam, his own kettle.

Tinubu age mate

This man can't be older than tinubu . It's either they're of the same age or tinubu is older

See person wey people been dey pity that year.

This man is living Tinubus dream

Our very own Paul Biya wannabe will be beaming with admiration. One thing Paul Biya and Ouattara have in common is that they are both French puppets. Does that explain why someone seem to be so much in love with France?

Barack Obama and Nicholas Zarkosy bombed the Ivorian presidential mansion just to remove President Gbagbo from office. Their favourite man was Allasene Quattara, who is now running endlessly as the president of Ivory Coast.

Quattara was supposed to be the guy who would bring true democracy to Ivory Coast. But what has happened? He is now a "sit tight" ruler, who fights more for the western alliance that imposed him as the president of Ivory Coast and not for the people of that country.

This should open the eyes of many Africans who supported the NATO forces in their unconstitutional acts in Abidjan. While you guys were swallowing the nebulous western propaganda agaist Gbagbo line hook and sinker, the West rode on your support to impose their lackey on the good people of Ivory Coast.

Like I said on Biya s thread.. this continent is cursed

Editorialtimes:
Ivory Coast: Ouattara Wins Controversial Fourth Term with 89.77% — Opposition Denies Legitimacy

By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News

The Bureau News reports that Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has secured a controversial fourth term in office, winning 89.77% of the vote in an election marred by political tension and boycotts, according to provisional results announced by the electoral commission on Monday. The poll, which saw nearly nine million voters cast their ballots, was overshadowed by the exclusion of key rivals Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, who were both barred from contesting.

Low Turnout and Deep Political Divides

While turnout averaged just over 50%, participation varied widely. In Ouattara’s northern strongholds, voter turnout neared 100%, but in traditionally opposition-leaning regions — including parts of Abidjan and the southern city of Gagnoa — only 20% of eligible voters participated. Observers say this reflects both political fatigue and deliberate disengagement following weeks of unrest.

“The absence of major opposition figures, coupled with heightened tension before election day, discouraged participation,” said William Assanvo of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). “Many voters stayed home, skeptical of the process.”

Barred Rivals and Legitimacy Questions

Former president Laurent Gbagbo was excluded due to a prior criminal conviction, while ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam was disqualified for holding French nationality. Both men had called for a boycott, arguing that Ouattara’s continued rule undermined constitutional limits and democratic competition.

Political analyst Geoffroy Kouao told The Bureau News that “the turnout rate shows two things — strong mobilisation in pro-Ouattara areas and complete withdrawal by the opposition base.”

Opposition Rejects Results, Calls for Fresh Election

Leading opposition voices have rejected the outcome, denying “any legitimacy” to Ouattara’s victory and demanding fresh elections. Entrepreneur Jean-Louis Billon, who came second with just 3.09% of the vote, acknowledged “very low turnout in some regions” but offered cautious congratulations to the incumbent.

Despite deploying 44,000 security personnel and imposing night-time curfews in several areas, the election period witnessed violence. At least eight people were reported killed and nearly two dozen injured in election-day clashes at more than 200 polling stations.

Historical Context and Fragile Stability

Ivory Coast’s presidential contests have historically been fraught with volatility. Ouattara first came to power following the disputed 2010–2011 election against Gbagbo, a crisis that left over 3,000 people dead. His leadership since 2011 has been credited with stabilising the economy, yet critics say his fourth term marks a dangerous concentration of power in a country still healing from past divisions.

On Monday, Abidjan’s streets returned to relative normalcy after a tense and unusually quiet weekend. “The Ivorians said NO to prophets of doom,” headlined Patriote, a pro-government newspaper. In contrast, opposition paper Notre Voie described the poll as “an election reflecting a divided country.”

Regional Reactions and International Watch

West African observers, including ECOWAS and the African Union, have called for calm and restraint, urging political actors to prioritise dialogue over confrontation. Analysts say Ivory Coast’s stability remains vital to the region’s economic and security balance.

For now, Ouattara’s sweeping victory may consolidate control in the short term — but without reconciliation and reform, The Bureau News notes, the country risks replaying its painful political past under a veneer of democratic order.

Source: The Bureau News

Tinubu is next. Life president until everyone get sense. Amen

They now have their own Tinubu. I remember few years ago when we were mocking Cameroun about Paul Biya, now we have our own Paul Biya and shame no dey allow us talk we’re Cameroun people dey again

Africa! it is well.

Africa my Africa..... I rest my case

Cameroon enjoy the democracy france gave you

Mirasteel:
Africa! it is well.

..for where..? for how ? ..how ? where ?

.tilumbu ? Paul biya ? Quattara ?

..it is not well..puppets, stooges of the West..

Like Outtara like Obi. Dazall. i remember when folks were backing this guy against the government thinking he's coming to save them.

Changing a leader that is performing every 4 or 8 years because of Western style democracy makes no sense, it says he has stabilized Ivory Coast economically so why change a winning horse. Nothing prevents the opposition from also turning to a sit tight if they win.

planetx:
Changing a leader that is performing every 4 or 8 years because of Western style democracy makes no sense, it says he has stabilized Ivory Coast economically so why change a winning horse. Nothing prevents the opposition from also turning to a sit tight if they win.

Lolz, like you will agree same for people not from your tribe or religion.

And thousands of innocent lvorians died protesting for this same ldiot to become president back in 2011, when he was fighthing Laurent Gbagbo's third term bidTufiakwa!!! African leaders all have a reserved VIP slot in hell. Or they will all face some serious bad Kharmas in their next lives l swear down!!!

His Excellency President Tinubu will also get a third term insha Allah. We Nigerians deserve it.

On a norms these people will be suffering from dementia at this their old age o, how the heck are they still been voted for?? Abhi na game game for there too ni?

African leaders are obsessed with power.

elitper:
His Excellency President Tinubu will also get a third term insha Allah. We Nigerians deserve it.

No sir, please kindly make fifth term, so that by then you will finally be satisfied and be consoled in your misery, that you have at least, upset some set of people with your prayers.

We are not ready yet in Africa

Tinubu too will be elected for the 3rd term. Just watch and see what we have in cooler for you

kokoA:
See person wey people been dey pity that year.

This is why the western world doesn't take Africans serious.

They believe we are all the same.


🥱🥱🥱

wiseone28:
Same person everyone was pitying when Gbagbo refused to relinquish power is now doing more than Gbagbo..

Just like some people were pitying APC when PDP was doing anyhow they like.

Africans are terrible creatures.


No respect for anything called system.


🥱🥱🥱

owobokiri:
Barack Obama and Nicholas Zarkosy bombed the Ivorian presidential mansion just to remove President Gbagbo from office. Their favourite man was Allasene Quattara, who is now running endlessly as the president of Ivory Coast.

Quattara was supposed to be the guy who would bring true democracy to Ivory Coast. But whatbhas happened? He is now a sit tight ruler, who fights more for the western alliance that imposed him as the president of Ivory Coast and not for the people of that country.

This should open the eyes of many Africans who supported the NATO forces in their unconstitutional acts in Abidjan. While you guys were swallowing the nebulous western propaganda agaist Gbagbo line hook and sinker, the West rode on your support to impose their lackey on the good people of Ivory Coast.

I’m glad there’s someone that remembers how this guy became president.

This man was supposed to be much better than Gbagbo (so they made him appear), but he has just proven to be another dictator.

See the man that the West projected that year and coerced ECOWAS to reject and fight Laurent Gbagbo, the then incumbent just to install the western puppet, Quattara. The man has remained sit tight. There was time he wanted to resign but his hand-picked successor died before the general elections. He resigned his decision to quit and contested the election, which he "won".

Thiam Djam, the former credit suisse CEO would have been a better option. But Africa has a way a way of running its own brand of democracy.

elitper:
His Excellency President Tinubu will also get a third term insha Allah. We Nigerians deserve it.

Stop sleeping on a moving bicycle - is dangerous!

Old heads are better than new heads!

At least they should know they are closest to the grave!