Ivory Coast awaits results after tense vote and low early turnout
An Independent Electoral Commission of Ivory Coast (CEI) official empties a ballot box as they count votes at the Notre-Dame College, in Abidjan’s Plateau district, on October 25, 2025 [AFP]
Polls have closed in Ivory Coast after a closely watched presidential election marked by heavy security, political tension, and a late surge of voters heading to the polls. The result will determine whether the country extends Alassane Ouattara’s long hold on power or opens the door to political change.
Nearly nine million citizens were registered to vote in a nation of about 32 million people. In the morning, polling stations were quiet and many feared turnout would be sharply down. Opposition parties had urged supporters to stay home in protest at Ouattara’s decision to run for a fourth term. By evening, observers described growing queues and a more active electorate.
Read also:Ivory Coast votes in tense election as security forces flood streets
Ahmed Idris of Al Jazeera reported from Abidjan that early apathy gave way to higher participation as the day progressed. Similar reports came in from other regions, raising hopes that voter engagement might exceed expectations.
The stakes are significant. The winner must secure an absolute majority of votes. If no one reaches that threshold, the top two candidates will face each other in a second round. Early projections suggest Ouattara is favoured to win outright, but official results are not expected until early next week.
Ouattara has governed the world’s leading cocoa producer since 2011 and is credited with helping restore stability and economic growth after years of conflict. His critics argue that political freedoms have narrowed under his leadership and that his bid for another term ignores earlier promises to step aside.
Read also: Ivory Coast Ouattara seeks fourth term on economic record, critics decry coronation Reuters
Tension has grown rapidly in recent days. An Independent Electoral Commission building was set on fire on Monday. Authorities have banned demonstrations, and several dozen people have been sentenced to three years in prison for disturbing public order. Analysts warn that the situation could worsen if results are contested or turnout is seen as too low.
Ivory Coast has a troubled electoral history. The 2010 presidential vote ended in a violent crisis that killed at least 3,000 people after then president Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to Ouattara.
Read also: Former first lady, Simone Gbagbo eyes power in cocoa-rich Ivory Coast
That trauma continues to shape the national mood. Many voters see peace as the first priority, even if they remain frustrated with the political options before them.
As ballots are counted, the country finds itself waiting once again. Supporters of the opposition call for a new start. Supporters of the government argue that stability must come first. The hope for many ordinary Ivorians is that this election will deliver a clear result without the violence that has too often followed elections in the past.
