Overview
- The electoral commission announced early counts showing the 83-year-old incumbent ahead in many areas, with official nationwide results still pending.
- Turnout was estimated at about 50%, with low participation reported in southern and western opposition strongholds and heavier voting in the north.
- Former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex–Credit Suisse chief Tidjane Thiam were barred from running over a criminal conviction and citizenship status, weakening the slate of four challengers.
- Authorities deployed about 44,000 security personnel, curtailed demonstrations and enforced curfews in some areas following unrest and the torching of an electoral commission office.
- Security reports cited disruptions at roughly 200 polling stations, with two people killed on election day and at least six deaths linked to the election period this month.