Keypoints
- President Ouattara, 83, confirms bid for a fourth term in October 2025
- Constitutional changes in 2016 removed term limits, allowing him to run again
- Main opposition figures are disqualified, raising fairness concerns
PRESIDENT Alassane Ouattara has announced he will run for a fourth term in the October 25, 2025 election, defying expectations that he would retire after more than a decade in power.
Now aged 83, Ouattara justified his reversal by citing mounting security threats and the need to protect the nation’s stability. ‘The constitution allows me to run, and I feel physically and mentally prepared,’ he said in a televised address.
The declaration reopens a tense chapter in Ivorian politics, where concerns over entrenched incumbency continue to echo across West Africa.
Constitution reset sparks legal but controversial path
The 2016 constitutional revision is central to Ouattara’s eligibility. Although he has already served three terms, the new charter effectively reset the count, meaning he can legally contest again. Critics, however, see this as a dangerous precedent and a sign of democratic backsliding.
Ouattara had previously vowed not to stand again, arguing that a younger generation should lead. Yet in recent months, key figures in his party, the RHDP, have pressured him to stay on, citing fears of political instability if he were to leave.
Rival candidates sidelined
Major opposition figures have already been disqualified from the upcoming race. Former president Laurent Gbagbo remains barred due to a prior conviction, and former banker Tidjane Thiam faces restrictions tied to dual nationality laws.
Observers warn that without a level playing field, the vote may lack credibility. Activists and watchdog groups have raised red flags over what they call a hollowing-out of electoral competition.
Security and economy at heart of pitch
Ouattara defended his decision as necessary to preserve Cote d’Ivoire’s hard-won stability and economic progress. The country has recorded strong growth under his tenure, with GDP projected to rise by 6.3 per cent this year. However, critics argue that growth has been uneven, and that governance remains heavily centralised.
‘We cannot take risks with our national progress,’ Ouattara said. ‘Continuity is vital in these uncertain times.’
The announcement comes amid a broader West African trend of leaders extending presidential terms through constitutional amendments. The development is likely to draw international scrutiny and reignite debate over term limits, legitimacy, and political reform.
