Ivory Coast to elect president as rivals excluded from running | DW News

Key Concepts

• Presidential Election: The central event discussed, with nearly 9 million eligible voters.
• Fourth Term Bid: President Alassane Ouattara's controversial attempt to secure a fourth term in office.
• Exclusion of Opposition: Key opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and Tiemtcho, were banned from running.
• Electoral Violence: A recurring issue in Ivory Coast's electoral history, with fears of its resurgence.
• Fragile Democracy: The state of Ivorian democracy, described as still consolidating and at risk.
• Peaceful Handover of Power: A historical challenge for Ivory Coast, which has never experienced a peaceful democratic transfer of power.
• Presidential Pardon: Granted to Simone Gbagbo in 2018, allowing her to re-enter politics.
• Ban on Political Rallies: Implemented by authorities on parties without presidential candidates, raising concerns about freedom of expression.
• Security Deployment: Approximately 44,000 security officials deployed to ensure peace on election day.
• Arrests and Sentences: Hundreds of protesters arrested, with some sentenced to jail for disturbing public order.

Presidential Election and Ouattara's Fourth Term Bid

The YouTube video transcript details the upcoming presidential election in Ivory Coast, scheduled for Saturday, where nearly 9 million people are eligible to vote. The campaign has been heavily dominated by incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, who is seeking an unprecedented fourth term. This bid has significantly divided the nation, particularly as Ivory Coast has historically struggled with peaceful democratic transitions of power. Supporters of President Ouattara credit him with economic recovery and stability during his 14-year tenure, and he is determined to extend his leadership.

Opposition Exclusion and Fears of Violence

A major point of contention is the exclusion of key opposition figures from the electoral race. Authorities have implemented a clampdown on opposition parties, leading to daily protests since the campaign began. In Abidjan, police used tear gas and arrested hundreds of protesters during one such gathering. These actions followed the electoral commission's ban on two prominent opposition figures: former President Laurent Gbagbo and former banker Tiemtcho. Critics, such as one interviewee, argue that Ouattara's current third term is illegal, making his pursuit of a fourth term even more objectionable.

Candidates and the Political Landscape

Only four candidates are officially challenging President Ouattara. Among them is Simone Gbagbo, former first lady and ex-wife of Laurent Gbagbo. She was previously convicted for her role in the deadly post-election violence of 2010-2011, which resulted in thousands of deaths when her ex-husband refused to concede defeat. Having been granted a presidential pardon in 2018, she has made a notable return to mainstream politics. However, analysts suggest that the fragmented opposition and the restrictions on leading opposition figures create a favorable environment for Ouattara, with predictions of a potential outright victory in the first round.

Fragile Democracy and Public Sentiment

The mood across Ivory Coast is described as tense, with many citizens still affected by past electoral violence. The recent two-month ban on political rallies and demonstrations by parties without presidential candidates has further fueled concerns about the government's respect for freedom of expression. This is seen as a signal that Ivorian democracy remains fragile and at risk, especially for a nation still consolidating its democratic institutions. Many Ivorians interviewed expressed a sense of defeat, believing their vote may not significantly impact the outcome due to the exclusion of formidable opposition candidates. They feel the election results may have already been decided.

Historical Context of Electoral Violence

The transcript highlights that nearly every election in Ivory Coast since 1995 has been marred by post-election violence. This history fuels a strong hope among the populace for a peaceful election day, aiming to avoid repeating past mistakes. Authorities have taken measures to ensure peace, deploying approximately 44,000 security officials across the country. Additionally, the ban on rallies for parties without presidential candidates is intended to prevent any potential unrest. Despite these efforts, over 700 protesters have been arrested in recent weeks, with nearly 80 sentenced to three years in jail for disturbing public order.

Key Arguments and Perspectives

• President Ouattara's Supporters: Credit him with restoring economic fortunes and stability.
• Opposition Critics: View Ouattara's bid for a fourth term as illegal and a continuation of authoritarianism. Laurent Gbagbo is quoted as describing the situation as a "civilian coup" and "electoral robbery."
• Analysts: Suggest that the exclusion of key opposition figures and the fragmentation of the opposition will likely lead to an easy victory for Ouattara.
• Citizens: Express a sense of powerlessness and resignation, believing the election outcome is predetermined. They prioritize a peaceful election day over a truly democratic process.

Data and Statistics

• Eligible Voters: Nearly 9 million.
• Security Officials Deployed: Approximately 44,000.
• Protesters Arrested: More than 700 in recent weeks.
• Sentenced Protesters: Nearly 80, sentenced to three years in jail.
• Past Election Violence: Occurred in nearly every election since 1995.

Logical Connections and Flow

The transcript moves from the general context of the upcoming election and President Ouattara's controversial bid to the specific issues of opposition exclusion and the resulting public sentiment. It then delves into the historical context of electoral violence and the measures being taken to ensure peace. The interview segment with the correspondent provides a more in-depth analysis of public feelings and the perceived lack of viable opposition. The discussion logically connects the political maneuvers, the historical context, and the current public mood to paint a picture of a nation at a critical juncture for its democracy.

Conclusion

The presidential election in Ivory Coast is taking place under a cloud of uncertainty, marked by President Ouattara's pursuit of a fourth term and the exclusion of key opposition leaders. While supporters point to economic progress, critics decry the erosion of democratic principles and the potential for continued authoritarian rule. The nation's history of electoral violence looms large, with authorities deploying significant security forces to prevent unrest. The prevailing sentiment among many citizens appears to be one of resignation, with a focus on achieving a peaceful election day rather than a fully contested and democratic outcome. The future of Ivorian democracy remains fragile and at risk.