Presidents Are Limited to Two Terms. He’s Running for His Fourth.

The upcoming presidential election in the Ivory Coast has been marred by controversy as the country’s main opposition candidates have been disqualified from the race. The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the government of rigging the vote to ensure the re-election of President Alassane Ouattara.

Ouattara, who has been in office since 2010, is seeking a fourth term in office, despite constitutional term limits that restrict presidents to two terms. The opposition has long argued that Ouattara’s candidacy is unconstitutional, citing the two-term limit enshrined in the country’s constitution.

The disqualified opposition candidates, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and former Prime Minister Pascal Affi N’Guessan, have vowed to challenge the decision in court. They argue that Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term is a clear breach of the constitution and that the electoral commission’s decision to allow him to run is a travesty.

The controversy has raised concerns about the credibility of the election, which is scheduled to take place on October 31. Many Ivorians are worried that the vote will be rigged to ensure Ouattara’s re-election, and that the opposition’s exclusion will undermine the democratic process.

The international community has also expressed concern about the situation, with the African Union and the European Union calling for a free and fair election. The United Nations has urged all parties to respect the constitution and ensure that the electoral process is transparent and inclusive.

Despite the controversy, Ouattara’s supporters argue that he has done a good job in office and that his re-election is necessary to ensure stability and continuity. However, his opponents argue that his continued rule will only exacerbate the country’s existing problems, including corruption, poverty, and inequality.

As the election approaches, tensions are running high in the Ivory Coast. The opposition has called for protests and demonstrations to challenge Ouattara’s candidacy, while the government has deployed security forces to maintain order. The outcome of the election remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Ivory Coast’s democracy is facing a major test.