Ivory Coast President Seeks Parliamentary Majority as Elections Witness Scuffles
Ivory Coast went to the polls on Saturday to elect members of its National Assembly, with President Alassane Ouattara seeking to consolidate power by securing a parliamentary majority for his ruling party, barely two months after winning a controversial presidential election that extended his rule to 14 years.
The legislative elections were held amid tight security and reports of minor disturbances, reflecting the country’s long history of politically charged polls.
More than eight million registered voters were expected to cast their ballots to determine the composition of the 255-member parliament, where the ruling party currently holds a majority.
Scuffles were reported in some locations, though authorities played down their significance. The head of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), Ibrahime Kuibiert Coulibaly, said law enforcement officers swiftly brought the incidents under control.
“There have been scuffles, but they were indeed brought under control by our law enforcement officers,” Coulibaly told reporters. “These incidents are so minor that they do not affect the proper conduct of the process.”
To ensure security, more than 40,000 personnel deployed during the presidential election in late October were retained for Saturday’s vote, underscoring fears of unrest in a nation where past elections have triggered violence.
President Ouattara, 83, who secured a fourth term in the October presidential poll, personally cast his vote earlier in the day, signaling the importance of the legislative race to his administration.
A strong showing by the ruling party would ease the passage of government policies and strengthen the president’s grip on power.
In the economic capital, Abidjan, voting began later than scheduled at several polling stations due to heavy rainfall. Despite the weather, some voters turned out early, expressing hope that newly elected lawmakers would address key social and economic concerns.
“I’m here to elect my candidate so he can advance projects that support students’ entry into the workforce,” said 21-year-old history student Assi Gilles Darus Aka after voting at Notre Dame College in the Plateau district.
However, turnout appeared low in some parts of the city. By midday, only about 20 voters had cast ballots at one polling station in Yopougon, out of roughly 400 registered voters. Similar low participation was observed in parts of Cocody, raising questions about voter enthusiasm and confidence in elected officials.
Despite these concerns, some voters emphasized the importance of civic responsibility. “Sometimes you don’t see the elected officials, but I give them my trust because it’s my civic duty,” said Dominique Tanou Benie, a 76-year-old retired IT specialist, after voting at a school in Yopougon.
Results from the parliamentary elections are expected in the coming days, with observers closely watching whether the ruling party can maintain its dominance or if opposition groups will make gains in a political landscape still marked by tension and mistrust.
