Ivory Coast. Presidential Election: President Alassane Ouattara Candidate for a Fourth Term

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, 83, announced his candidacy for the October presidential election in a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, seeking a fourth term as president. He is the clear favorite in the absence of the main opposition leaders, who have been barred from the election by court rulings.

"After careful consideration and in all conscience, I announce today that I have decided to be a candidate in the presidential election of October 25, 2025," announced President Ouattara. "I am a candidate because the Constitution of our country authorizes me to serve another term and my health allows it," added Ouattara.

"This new mandate will be one of generational transmission with the team that I will put in place. We will be able to consolidate the achievements and we will continue to improve the daily lives of our compatriots, particularly the most vulnerable," he continued.

Four opposition figures are excluded from the election, including the president of the main opposition party, Tidjane Thiam, and former president and opposition figure Laurent Gbagbo. Ouattara was elected president of Côte d'Ivoire in 2010, succeeding Laurent Gbagbo (2000-2011) following a presidential election marred by violence that left more than 3,000 dead and led to the arrest of the outgoing president.