Alassane Ouattara Declared Winner of Ivory Coast Presidential Election

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has been declared the winner of the 2025 presidential election, securing a fourth term in office with approximately 89.8% of the vote, according to provisional results released by the Independent Electoral Commission on Monday. The 83-year-old incumbent began his presidency in 2011 and has since been a prominent figure in the nation’s political landscape.

The election was marked by the exclusion of two of Ouattara’s key rivals—former President Laurent Gbagbo, barred due to a criminal conviction, and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, disqualified for holding dual nationality. Their absence weakened the opposition field significantly, with other candidates such as former Commerce Minister Jean-Louis Billon and former First Lady Simone Gbagbo receiving only marginal shares of the vote. Voter turnout was about 50%, reflecting a decline compared to earlier elections but consistent with recent trends.

Opposition parties, including those allied with Gbagbo and Thiam, have condemned the election as illegitimate, describing it as a “civilian coup d’état” and refusing to recognize Ouattara’s victory. The final confirmation of results will be made by the Constitutional Council, which will also consider any appeals.

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Ouattara’s tenure has been notable for relative peace and economic growth in Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer. However, his government faces criticism for ongoing socio-economic inequalities and rising living costs. The election also unfolds amidst regional security concerns, with the president pledging to bolster the nation’s defense amid instability in neighboring Sahel countries.

As Ouattara begins his fourth term, questions remain about succession within his political party and the future stability of Ivory Coast’s democratic process, with experts cautioning about potential political crises if the leadership transition is not managed carefully.