In a politically charged move that has stirred both domestic and international concern, Ivory Coast’s 83-year-old President Alassane Ouattara has formally declared his intention to seek a fourth term in office during the country’s upcoming presidential election. The announcement, made during a national address on state television, has solidified Ouattara’s place as the frontrunner in a race now noticeably lacking competitive opposition due to a controversial wave of candidate disqualifications.
Ouattara’s decision reignites an already heated debate around term limits, political longevity, and democratic integrity in West Africa. While he remains a dominant figure in Ivorian politics — credited by many with driving post-conflict economic recovery — his extended hold on power has become a symbol of creeping authoritarianism for critics who fear the erosion of democratic norms.
A Tightened Field: Opposition Figures Locked Out
One of the most controversial aspects of the upcoming election is the near-complete exclusion of major opposition leaders. Several prominent challengers, including past candidates and well-known figures from civil society, have either been barred from running by the Constitutional Council or have voluntarily withdrawn in protest of what they deem an unfair and manipulated electoral process.
This narrowing of the field has left the electorate with limited choices, effectively handing Ouattara a strategic advantage. Critics argue that the disqualification of opponents undermines the legitimacy of the entire electoral process, raising fears that the outcome is a foregone conclusion rather than a democratic contest.
The Weight of History: A President Beyond His Prime
At 83, President Ouattara remains one of the oldest serving heads of state in Africa. His long political career began in the early 1990s and has been marked by periods of exile, technocratic service at the International Monetary Fund, and a dramatic return to power following the country’s post-electoral crisis in 2010. Ouattara won the presidency that year after a disputed runoff triggered months of violence and unrest.
While his supporters cite his experience and steady hand as reasons to support his continued leadership, opponents question whether it is healthy for one man to remain at the helm for so long, especially in a region plagued by coups and democratic backsliding. The generational divide is also increasingly apparent, as a large portion of the population—many of whom are under 35—have never known a different political era.
Constitutional Maneuvering: The Third Term That Wasn’t?
The legality of Ouattara’s fourth-term bid stems from a constitutional loophole. In 2016, Ivory Coast adopted a new constitution, which effectively reset the presidential term count. When Ouattara first ran for what many considered a third term in 2020, he justified the move by claiming it was technically his first under the new legal framework. The Constitutional Council agreed, allowing him to extend his rule without breaching term limits.
Now, the same rationale is being applied to his decision to run again, even as the spirit of term limits appears increasingly hollow. Legal justifications aside, many Ivorians feel disenfranchised, questioning the purpose of constitutional constraints if they can be reinterpreted to favor incumbents indefinitely.
Opposition in Disarray: A System Tilted Toward Incumbency
The exclusion of major challengers is only part of the broader issue. Ivory Coast’s political infrastructure continues to favor the ruling party, the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), which maintains control over key institutions such as the judiciary, electoral commission, and media regulators.
Under these circumstances, genuine political competition becomes increasingly difficult. Civil society actors, human rights groups, and international observers have all voiced concern about a political environment that appears to prioritize stability over democracy. While some argue that Ouattara’s continued rule provides consistency in governance, others counter that this stability is being achieved at the expense of pluralism and political renewal.
Public Reaction: Between Fatigue and Resignation
The public response to Ouattara’s candidacy has been mixed. For many Ivorians, political fatigue has set in. A sense of resignation pervades the public discourse, especially among young voters who feel alienated by a system that seems closed to generational change. Though some protests have taken place in previous years, the government’s tight security measures and the lack of a unified opposition have dampened large-scale mobilization.
Others, particularly those who have benefited from the country’s recent economic growth, remain cautiously supportive. They credit Ouattara’s administration with rebuilding infrastructure, stabilizing public finances, and attracting foreign investment. But even within this camp, there is growing concern about the long-term implications of concentrating power in one person’s hands for too long.
Regional Context: Echoes Across West Africa
Ouattara’s decision must also be understood in the broader West African context, where democratic norms are being tested across multiple nations. In recent years, several presidents in the region — including in Guinea and Togo — have amended constitutions or reset term limits to extend their tenure. At the same time, coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have shown how political disillusionment can lead to instability and military takeovers.
Ivory Coast has managed to avoid such dramatic breakdowns, but the same pressures exist beneath the surface. An aging political elite, shrinking civic space, and growing youth disenfranchisement are ingredients for unrest if left unaddressed.
What Lies Ahead: Continuity or Crisis?
With the road to the election now paved for Ouattara’s candidacy, the coming months will likely be marked by cautious political maneuvering. The opposition, fragmented and marginalized, will struggle to rally sufficient support to mount a serious challenge. Meanwhile, the ruling party is expected to leverage its institutional advantages to secure a favorable outcome.
International attention may increase as the election approaches, particularly from regional bodies such as ECOWAS and international human rights organizations. However, unless credible challengers are allowed back into the race and electoral processes are strengthened, the democratic credibility of the 2025 election will remain in doubt.
Conclusion: A Nation at a Democratic Crossroads
President Alassane Ouattara’s decision to seek a fourth term underscores a troubling trend in West African politics: the normalization of extended presidencies under the guise of constitutional reform. While Ivory Coast has experienced economic progress and relative stability under Ouattara’s rule, the sustainability of this model is increasingly questionable.
A healthy democracy relies on periodic leadership renewal, competitive elections, and the ability of citizens to choose among real alternatives. By sidelining opposition figures and leaning on legal technicalities, Ivory Coast risks deepening public cynicism and weakening trust in its democratic institutions.
As the election draws near, the country stands at a critical juncture. The choices made now — by political leaders, civil society, and the public — will determine whether Ivory Coast continues down a path of controlled continuity or embraces a future rooted in political inclusivity and genuine democratic participation.
For more news pleas visit our website