Overview
- Saturday’s presidential election proceeds with President Alassane Ouattara, 83, widely seen as the frontrunner after Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam were barred from the ballot.
- Authorities have banned rallies, deployed about 44,000 security personnel nationwide, and arrested more than 700 protesters, with at least three deaths reported.
- Former first lady Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, 76, is the most prominent approved challenger and is running on reconciliation and social welfare promises.
- Ouattara’s campaign leans on Abidjan’s visible infrastructure overhaul and years of strong growth, while critics cite high living costs, inequality and youth frustration.
- Analysts warn turnout and perceived legitimacy could suffer in opposition areas as ECOWAS observers and rights groups scrutinize restrictions on assemblies and candidates.