On July 29, 2025, 83‑year‑old President Alassane Ouattara, who has led Côte d’Ivoire since 2011, formally announced he will seek a fourth presidential term in the scheduled October 25 election. Despite earlier pledges to retire, Ouattara cited national stability and ongoing security, economic, and monetary challenges as reasons for remaining in office. He affirmed that his health is not a constraint and that the 2016 constitutional overhaul resets term limits, enabling this bid.
Ivory Coast’s 2016 constitution imposed a two‑term limit on presidents. However, Ouattara argues that the constitutional revision effectively restarted term counting, allowing him to run beyond the limit set under the previous constitution. This same logic was used to justify his controversial third termvictory in 2020 a run that triggered protests and legal disputes.
Prominent challengers to his reelection including former President Laurent Gbagbo, ex-Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, and opposition leader Tidjane Thiam have been disqualified from contesting. Gbagbo and Soro due to criminal convictions; Thiam over dual nationality issues. Thiam called Ouattara’s bid “a new attack on democracy,” arguing the move erodes constitutional integrity.
On the day Ouattara announced his candidacy, authorities imposed a ban on an August 7 protest organized by opposition groups seeking reinstatement of disqualified candidates and a transparent voter registry.
Ouattara’s supporters highlight consistent economic growth averaging over 6% annually and credit him with major infrastructure projects, particularly in Abidjan.
Critics contend that changing constitutional rules to prolong tenure undermines democratic governance. Analysts warn this trend mirrors a broader West African pattern where incumbents extend rule through legal tweaks, weakening electoral competitiveness and stoking unrest.
The presidential election is now billed as Ouattara vs. weakened opposition, with several high-profile challengers sidelined. Observers expect him to remain the clear front-runner, as over 8.7 million Ivorians prepare to vote under heightened political tension .
Alassane Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term at age 83 highlights the tension between calls for continuity in times of crisis and demands for constitutional adherence and democratic renewal.
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