Overview
- Voters are set to choose a president on Saturday, October 25, with 83-year-old Alassane Ouattara widely expected to win a fourth term after his camp argued a 2016 constitutional change reset term limits.
- The Constitutional Council disqualified former president Laurent Gbagbo and ex–Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, while four lesser-known challengers remain, including Simone Ehivet Gbagbo and Jean‑Louis Billon.
- Authorities have prohibited demonstrations, deployed about 44,000 security personnel, and reported more than 700 arrests and at least three deaths in pre‑election unrest, according to the state prosecutor.
- Ouattara’s campaign highlights sustained growth and major infrastructure in Abidjan, but critics point to persistent poverty near 37% and steep living costs that have fueled frustration among youth.
- Cybersecurity officials flagged foreign‑linked disinformation campaigns targeting the vote, and ECOWAS observers are on the ground as analysts warn turnout could sag in opposition strongholds.