Ivory Coast's Alassane Ouattara Wins Fourth Term Amid Controversial Elections

Tue Oct 28 2025 20:49:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

At 83 years old, President Ouattara achieves a decisive victory as two of his major opponents were barred from running, prompting allegations of a 'civilian coup d'état'.

In a disputed election, President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast has secured a fourth term with 89.8% of the vote while facing a notable boycott from opposition figures. The electoral process has drawn criticism and allegations from opposition groups, especially after high-profile candidates like Laurent Gbagbo were barred from the race. The final results are yet to be determined by the Constitutional Council amidst rising tensions.

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara has secured a fourth term in an election where two of his biggest challengers were barred from participating, according to provisional results announced by the electoral commission.

Ouattara, at 83 years old, won a staggering 89.8% of the vote, while businessman Jean-Louis Billon trailed far behind with only 3.09% of the ballots.

This overwhelming victory was anticipated, particularly after former President Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, who were disqualified from the presidential race, called on their supporters to boycott the election. Voter turnout was reported at a relatively low 50.1%.

Simone Gbagbo, ex-wife of Laurent Gbagbo, was permitted to compete and received 2.42% of the votes. The final verification of the election results will be carried out by the Constitutional Council, which will consider any filed petitions regarding the electoral process.

The opposition coalition, including Gbagbo’s and Thiam’s parties, has condemned the vote, dubbing it a civilian coup d'état and asserting their intention not to recognize Ouattara as a legitimately elected leader.

Ouattara has been in office since 2011, rising to power following Gbagbo's arrest after he refused to concede defeat in the 2010 elections. The current political landscape is complicated by a constitutional change in 2016 that allowed Ouattara to seek re-election despite previously being limited to two terms.