Political tension is rising in Ivory Coast as speculation grows that President Alassane Ouattara may seek a fourth term in office, reigniting debates about term limits and democratic governance in the country.
With national elections set for next year, Ivorians are bracing for a potentially contentious campaign season. Although Ouattara has not confirmed whether he will run again, senior members of his Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party have hinted that he remains their preferred choice. “President Ouattara represents continuity and unity. If he decides to contest, we will rally behind him,” a party representative said at a gathering in Abidjan.
However, opposition leaders have warned that another term for the 82-year-old leader could reignite unrest similar to the violence that followed his third-term election victory in 2020. Pascal Affi N’Guessan, a prominent opposition figure, cautioned that “the constitution and the people cannot endure another constitutional crisis.”
Supporters of Ouattara argue that his leadership has delivered stability and significant infrastructure development over the past decade. Yet critics insist that extending his stay in power could weaken democratic institutions and alienate younger political voices. “Ivory Coast needs renewal, not repetition,” remarked political analyst Koffi Kouadio, noting that public sentiment remains divided.
Meanwhile, international bodies including ECOWAS and the African Union have urged all political actors to maintain calm and ensure a transparent electoral process. Observers have also emphasized the importance of dialogue in preventing political violence and preserving regional stability.
As the country awaits President Ouattara’s official stance, uncertainty continues to cloud the political atmosphere. For many Ivorians, the upcoming election will serve as a critical test of the nation’s democratic maturity and its ability to manage leadership transitions peacefully.
