Côte d'Ivoire elections reveal veneer of democracy

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara greets his supporters during his final campaign rally at Place de la République in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, on October 23, 2025. MISPER APAWU / AP

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t had never been easier for Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara to win an election. After a vote without suspense, he secured a fourth term at age 83 in the very first round, with more than 89% of the vote, according to results announced by the electoral commission on October 27. His overwhelming victory barely concealed the alarming state of Côte d'Ivoire's democracy.

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Alassane Ouattara, reelected president of Côte d'Ivoire, is France's last major ally in Africa