ABIDJAN: Ivory Coast heads to the polls with President Alassane Ouattara, 83, seeking another term, framing his campaign around “generational transition” after nearly 15 years of economic growth and political stability.
The former IMF deputy managing director came to power in 2011 following a civil war sparked by his predecessor Laurent Gbagbo’s refusal to concede defeat. While Gbagbo and ex–Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam were barred from contesting this year, Ouattara remains the frontrunner, buoyed by strong economic credentials and the absence of major challengers.
“Our country must renew its team,” Ouattara told reporters this week, acknowledging his age alongside his 73-year-old prime minister and 76-year-old vice president. With Ivory Coast’s median age just 18, the call for generational change resonates sharply among young voters.
“We are tired of seeing old people making decisions for us,” said 22-year-old student Landry Ka, reflecting the impatience of a youthful electorate eager for leadership that prioritizes jobs and opportunity.
Despite a largely peaceful campaign, security forces have been heavily deployed nationwide, with authorities arresting hundreds amid restrictions on protests. The government insists order is vital to preserve stability and safeguard economic gains in the world’s top cocoa producer one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
“We must maintain stability,” said government spokesperson Patrick Achi in a statement to WNN. “Then the next generation can build on it.”
— Gbagbo Boulet
