Cote d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara Declares Bid for Contentious Fourth Term
Cote d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara, 83, officially announced on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, that he will seek a fourth term in the presidential election scheduled for October 25, 2025. This declaration has ignited significant controversy, as it comes after a constitutional amendment that critics argue was designed to circumvent term limits and allow his continued rule.
The Controversy and Constitutional Changes:
Initial Two-Term Limit: Cote d'Ivoire's constitution originally stipulated a two-term limit for the presidency. Ouattara was first elected in 2010 and won a second term in 2015.
2016 Constitutional Referendum: In 2016, a new constitution was adopted through a referendum. Ouattara's supporters argue that this new constitution effectively "reset" the presidential term clock, making him eligible for two new terms under the revised law. This interpretation allowed him to run for a third term in 2020.
Third Term and Precedent: Ouattara secured a controversial third term in 2020 after initially stating he would not run again. However, he reversed his decision following the unexpected death of his hand-picked successor, Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly. His successful third term set a precedent for his current bid for a fourth.
Opposition Rejection: The opposition vehemently rejects Ouattara's interpretation, arguing that a president's terms should be counted cumulatively, regardless of constitutional changes. They consider his fourth-term bid to be unconstitutional and a move to tighten his grip on power. This stance is shared by various human rights groups and international observers who view such constitutional maneuvers as undermining democratic principles in West Africa.
Reasons Cited by Ouattara for Seeking a Fourth Term:
Constitutional Permissibility: Ouattara explicitly stated that he is running "because the constitution allows me to seek another term, and my health permits it."
National Challenges: He justified his decision by emphasizing that Cote d'Ivoire faces "unprecedented security, economic, and monetary challenges, the management of which requires experience." He positions himself as the experienced leader necessary to navigate these complex issues.
Appeals from Supporters: Ouattara indicated that his decision was made in response to appeals from his supporters and guided by "the best interest of the nation."
Political Landscape and Opposition Response:
Disqualification of Rivals: Ouattara's announcement comes amid rising tensions and the disqualification of several prominent opposition candidates. For example, former Credit Suisse chief executive Tidjane Thiam, a leading challenger, was barred from contesting on grounds of dual Ivorian-French nationality (Ivorian law prohibits dual nationals from running for president). Former Prime Minister Guillaume Soro was also barred due to a criminal conviction. These exclusions have further fueled opposition accusations that the electoral process is being manipulated.
Weakened Opposition: The sidelining of major rivals leaves Ouattara as the clear frontrunner, facing a fragmented and largely weakened opposition.
Protests and Violence: Elections in Cote d'Ivoire have historically been fraught with tension and violence. Ouattara's 2020 third-term bid was met with deadly protests. The current situation has already seen protests against the court's decision to bar opposition figures. There are concerns that this fourth-term bid could trigger further instability.
Regional Trend: Ouattara is part of a growing trend in West Africa where leaders are attempting to remain in power by changing constitutional term limits, often drawing criticism from international bodies like ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). This raises concerns about democratic backsliding in the region.
The coming months leading up to the October election are expected to be tense, with the opposition vowing to challenge Ouattara's candidacy and potentially organize further protests.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
