What is Happening in Cote d'Ivoire's Presidential Election?
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Synopsis
Cote d'Ivoire's 2025 presidential election has commenced amid rising political tensions and a temporary ban on public gatherings. With incumbent President Alassane Ouattara seeking a fourth term against four challengers, the election landscape is charged with uncertainty and anticipation. Will this election reshape the political landscape in Cote d'Ivoire?
Key Takeaways
- Cote d'Ivoire is holding its presidential election amid political tension.
- Incumbent Alassane Ouattara is seeking a fourth term.
- A total of 25,678 polling stations have been established.
- A temporary ban on public gatherings has been enforced.
- The election is crucial for the country's political future.
Abidjan, Oct 25 (NationPress) Voters in Cote d'Ivoire commenced their voting journey on Saturday for the 2025 presidential election.
At the Groupe Scolaire Plateau de Port-Bouet 2 polling station in Abidjan, numerous voters showed up before the official start time of 8 am (0800 GMT), monitored closely by police and gendarmes.
Polling locations will stay open until 6 pm local time, as reported by Xinhua. The Independent Electoral Commission announced that a total of 25,678 polling stations have been established, with 25,370 within Cote d'Ivoire and 308 abroad, to facilitate 8,727,431 registered voters, including 8,607,253 domestically and 120,178 overseas.
Incumbent President, the 83-year-old Alassane Ouattara, is representing the Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace and is vying for his fourth term. He is up against four other candidates, including former First Lady Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, 76, from the Movement of Capable Generations; Jean-Louis Billon, 60, from the Democratic Congress; Ahoua Don Mello, 67, an independent; and Henriette Lagou Adjoua, 66, from the Group of Political Partners for Peace.
This election is taking place amid increased political and social unrest following court decisions that prevented significant opposition figures from running.
The government of Cote d'Ivoire recently imposed a two-month temporary ban on all public gatherings and demonstrations organized by political parties or groups nationwide.
According to a decree from Minister of Interior and Security Vagondo Diomande and Minister of State and Minister of Defence Tene Birahima Ouattara, this measure is aimed at ensuring public order and safeguarding national security during the electoral process.
The decree specifies that only gatherings directly related to the presidential election will be allowed, while all other political public assemblies are strictly forbidden, with warnings of prosecution for offenders.
Implementation of the ban has been assigned to senior officials in territorial administration, the Gendarmerie, and the National Police.
The official campaigning period for the presidential election started on October 10 and concluded on October 23.
Point of View
We recognize that the upcoming presidential election in Cote d'Ivoire is pivotal. While the government has implemented measures for public safety, it is essential to ensure that the electoral process remains transparent and fair. The voice of the voters must resonate as we navigate through these challenging times.
NationPress
25/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main candidates in the election?
The main candidates include incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, former First Lady Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, Jean-Louis Billon, Ahoua Don Mello, and Henriette Lagou Adjoua.
What security measures are in place for the election?
A two-month temporary ban on public gatherings has been imposed to maintain public order and ensure national security during the electoral period.
How many polling stations are there?
There are a total of 25,678 polling stations set up, with the majority located within Cote d'Ivoire and some abroad.
