Ivory Coast Vote Held Amid Tensions, Arrests

Ivory Coast went to the polls on Oct. 25, with incumbent Alassane Ouattara, 83, seeking a controversial fourth term and roughly 8.7 million registered voters due to cast ballots between 0800 and 1800 GMT. Challengers on the ballot included Simone Gbagbo and Jean‑Louis Billon, while leading opposition figures Tidjane Thiam and former president Laurent Gbagbo were barred, leaving the opposition divided. The exclusions and candidacy have provoked protests that authorities say prompted hundreds of arrests and a ban on election demonstrations. Officials also moved to curb rising social‑media disinformation, censoring posts and making arrests amid concerns about domestic and cross‑border destabilisation. Observers warned the vote could either cement Ouattara’s near‑two‑decade rule or rekindle tensions reminiscent of the deadly 2010–11 post‑electoral crisis if results are disputed.