Ivory Coast elections: President Ouattara bans opponents from running, faces election boycotts

Key Concepts

• Presidential Election: The process of electing a president in Ivory Coast.
• Incumbent President: The current holder of the presidential office.
• Fourth Term: The possibility of a president serving for a fourth term in office.
• Exclusion of Challengers: The disqualification or blacklisting of opposition candidates from participating in the election.
• Heightened Security: Increased security measures in place due to past election-related violence.
• Constitutional Change: Amendments made to the constitution to allow a president to run for additional terms.
• Boycott: A refusal to participate in an election, often by opposition parties and their supporters.
• Low Turnout: A smaller than usual number of voters participating in the election.
• Protests: Public demonstrations against government actions or policies.
• Freedom of Expression and Association: The right of individuals and groups to express their views and gather freely.
• Presidential Pardon: An official act of forgiveness for a crime.
• Runoff Election: A second round of voting when no candidate secures a majority in the first round.

Presidential Election in Ivory Coast

The YouTube video transcript discusses the presidential election in Ivory Coast, where incumbent President Alassane Ouattara is expected to win a fourth term. The election has been marked by protests stemming from the exclusion of key opposition challengers. Security has been heightened due to past violence associated with election disputes. Critics argue that the disqualification of opponents has unfairly benefited Ouattara and virtually guaranteed his victory.

Election Outcome and Voter Turnout

Azizat Alalua, DW's West Africa correspondent, reports from Abidjan. Based on vote counting at polling centers, analysts predict Ouattara's win. However, turnout has been notably low, particularly in Yopougon, a stronghold for opposition parties. The two main opposition parties did not field presidential candidates, leading their supporters to boycott the election. This boycott has significantly impacted the vote count in these areas, with President Ouattara dominating the numbers. Many opposition supporters expressed fear of election violence, choosing to stay home rather than vote, believing their votes might not be counted.

Constitutional Changes and Public Support

President Ouattara justifies his continued leadership by citing the necessity for stability and economic growth. This election marks his fourth term, made possible by a constitutional change that allowed him to seek re-election. The transcript suggests that the country is divided, as evidenced by massive protests in August against the constitutional change. Analysts point out that if Ouattara had strong popular support, he would not have imposed a two-month ban on protests by parties without presidential candidates. This ban is seen by organizations like Amnesty International as a repression of freedom of expression and association.

Significance of Simone Gbagbo's Return

The return of Simone Gbagbo, ex-wife of former President Laurent Gbagbo, to politics is highlighted as significant. Having received a presidential pardon from Ouattara after a criminal conviction, she has made a comeback to mainstream politics. She is popular in her region, and the question remains whether she can garner enough votes to prove her relevance as a politician and potentially push the election to a runoff. She is one of two female presidential candidates in this race, and many view her as a formidable contender.

Conclusion

The election in Ivory Coast is characterized by the expected victory of the incumbent president, Alassane Ouattara, amidst low voter turnout due to opposition boycotts and fears of violence. The controversial constitutional changes that allowed Ouattara to run for a fourth term have divided the nation, with critics citing the exclusion of opponents and suppression of dissent. The re-emergence of Simone Gbagbo adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape, with her potential to influence the election's outcome.