By Ghazali Ibrahim
President Alassane Ouattara has secured a fourth term in office following a sweeping victory in the country’s October 25, 2025, presidential election, amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding and limited voter enthusiasm.
According to provisional results released by the Independent Electoral Commission, Ouattara won nearly 90% of the vote, defeating lesser-known opponents.
Voter turnout was recorded at about 50% of the registered 8.5 million electorate.
The 83-year-old leader, who first assumed office in 2010, has extended his grip on power despite earlier promises not to seek another term.
His main rivals, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-finance executive Tidjane Thiam, were barred from contesting due to criminal convictions and technical disqualifications.
Jean-Louis Billon, a former commerce minister and the leading opposition candidate, received only about 3% of the vote and quickly conceded.
The election took place under heavy security, with over 44,000 personnel deployed nationwide.
Political rallies were banned, and multiple arrests were made in the weeks leading up to the poll.
Although the process was largely peaceful, many observers and civil society groups have raised concerns about the lack of open political competition, suppression of dissent, and voter apathy.
Critics argue that Ouattara’s continued presidency erodes democratic norms, while supporters credit him with ensuring economic growth and stability in the world’s top cocoa-producing nation.
In Africa, the seat of the government is mostly run by the old people with the exception of Senegal that has the youngest president.
Just like his counterpart from Cameroon, Quattara has also been in the seat of power for decades. Before he became the country’s president in 2010, he had served both as prime minister and minister of economy and finance 35 years ago.
With his new five-year mandate, Ouattara has vowed to continue major infrastructure projects and begin a leadership transition, though no clear successor has yet been identified.
