Cote d'Ivoire's President aims for a fourth term in office, facing strong opposition and criticism - Ivorian President pursues fourth term amidst criticism
In the West African country of Ivory Coast, there is significant controversy surrounding the bid for a fourth term by President Alassane Ouattara. Critics and opposition parties argue that Ouattara's candidacy violates the constitution, despite the president asserting that the constitution permits him to run again.
The president, who has been in power since 2011, has announced his intention to run for another term. His political party has already nominated him as their presidential candidate. This move has intensified political tensions, especially since several key opposition leaders were disqualified from the election, leading to accusations of power consolidation and authoritarian tendencies.
The opposition has launched campaigns contesting Ouattara's candidacy and the exclusion of rival leaders, alleging an erosion of democratic norms and fairness. Analysts frame this move as part of a wider regional pattern where leaders seek to extend their tenure by altering or circumventing term limits.
The controversy stems from a 2016 constitutional amendment that removed presidential term limits. Ouattara's opponents claim these changes were designed to facilitate his continued rule. The opposition boycotted the 2020 presidential election, which Ouattara won with an overwhelming majority.
Despite the opposition's claims, the president maintains that the constitution of Ivory Coast allows him to run for another term. His health permits him to run for another term, and he cites the country's challenges as his reason for seeking another term.
The largest opposition parties in Ivory Coast have launched a joint campaign demanding the reinstatement of their party leaders as candidates in the upcoming election. The opposition strongly opposes Ouattara's fourth candidacy in the election.
This move by President Ouattara has fueled ongoing controversy ahead of the October 2025 election. While Ouattara maintains his candidacy on constitutional grounds, the opposition and some analysts regard his bid as legally and democratically questionable.
- President Ouattara, despite facing criticism and allegations of power consolidation, is striving to run for a fourth term in office, with migration, war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and politics being major points of discussion in the general news.
- The president's decision to run for another term, despite opposition objections and accusations of violating the constitution, comes amidst a regional trend of leaders seeking to extend their tenure by altering or circumventing term limits.
- Amidst increasing tensions, the opposition has launched a campaign, not just against Ouattara's fourth candidacy, but also demands crime-and-justice reforms and fair elections, hoping to challenge Ouattara's stance in the upcoming election on the elfbeincoast.
