ABIDJAN — Provisional results from the 25 October 2025 presidential election show that Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara is headed for a likely fourth term, securing about 89.8% of the vote according to the electoral commission.
The election took place in a climate of heightened political tension: major opposition figures such as former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse chief Tidjane Thiam were disqualified from running, prompting critics to label the process a “coronation”.
Approximately half of eligible voters turned out—far below the higher figures associated with historic contests in the country. Some polling stations in opposition-strong regions recorded extremely low participation.
Opposition candidates—including former minister Jean‑Louis Billon—have conceded defeat. Billon publicly acknowledged Ouattara’s lead as “decisive” and congratulated the incumbent.
Still, debates persist about the election’s fairness. Observers note extensive security deployments, restrictions on demonstrations, and an opposition fragmented by candidate disqualifications. The results await final validation by the Constitutional Council
