Abidjan: Votes were being counted late Saturday in Ivory Coast after citizens cast their ballots to elect a new leader. Longtime President Alassane Ouattara is seeking a fourth term while his key contenders were barred from the race.
According to United Nations, the election process has been marked by controversy and tension, primarily due to the exclusion of significant opposition candidates. This development has raised questions about the election's fairness and the political future of the country.
In the lead-up to the election, President Ouattara's decision to run for another term was met with criticism, as opponents argued that it violated constitutional term limits. However, the Constitutional Council approved his candidacy, citing a constitutional amendment in 2016 that they claim reset the term count.
The barring of key contenders has led to calls for a boycott by opposition groups, who argue that the exclusion undermines the democratic process. The electoral commission is now tasked with ensuring a transparent and credible counting process to maintain public trust.
The results of the election are keenly awaited both domestically and internationally, as they will determine the political trajectory of Ivory Coast in the coming years. Observers are closely monitoring the situation to ensure peace and stability are maintained during this critical period.