Voting ended Saturday in Ivory Coast as President Alassane Ouattara seeks a fourth term, facing a weakened opposition.
Two leading rivals, former President Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, were barred from running, prompting accusations of unfairness.
Turnout was low in southern and western regions, opposition strongholds, while Ouattara saw higher participation in his northern strongholds.
Violence marred the election: a 13-year-old boy was killed in Gregbeu, the fifth death reported during the campaign period.
Security forces deployed 44,000 personnel nationwide, imposed curfews, and banned rallies to prevent unrest similar to the 2020 election.
Election materials were stolen and roads blocked in several towns, including Gbagbo’s hometown of Mama, disrupting voting in opposition areas.
Ouattara, in power since 2011, argues that a constitutional revision reset term limits, allowing his candidacy despite prior promises to step down.
Critics say his government’s economic growth has mainly benefited elites, while ordinary Ivorians face rising living costs.
Opposition leaders have condemned the vote as “electoral robbery,” claiming the process lacked fairness and legitimacy.
Election results are expected soon, potentially extending Ouattara’s decade-long rule amid lingering political tension nationwide.
