What You Need to Know
Partial results from the legislative elections in Ivory Coast show a significant lead for President Alassane Ouattara’s party, which has already secured an absolute majority in parliament. This success reflects the continuation of momentum from the recent presidential elections, where Ouattara won a fourth term with nearly 90% of the vote, despite the absence of prominent opposition candidates.
Africa. Partial results from the legislative elections in Ivory Coast show a significant lead for President Alassane Ouattara’s party, which has already surpassed the absolute majority in parliament by securing over 128 seats out of 255. This success reflects a continuation of the momentum from the recent presidential elections held two months ago, where Ouattara won a fourth term with 89.77% of the vote, despite the exclusion of prominent opposition figures.
The Ouattara party achieved near-total results in its strongholds in the north, such as Bouaké (98.95%) and Korhogo (99.92%), even reaching 100% in some districts. It also strengthened its presence in the traditionally opposition-held areas in the south and west.
However, it is noteworthy that voter turnout did not exceed 32.34% of the 8 million registered voters, according to the Independent Electoral Commission, which is lower than the turnout in the 2021 elections. The boycott called by former President Laurent Gbagbo’s party contributed to the low participation, as seen in the recent presidential elections.
Opposition Decline
Among the winners are Tiémoko Mélioré Koné, the deputy president in Tafiré, former Prime Minister Patrick Achi in Adzopé, Youth Minister Mamadou Touré in Daloa, and Defense Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara, the president’s brother, in the Abobo constituency.
In contrast, the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast, the main opposition force, suffered significant losses after holding around 60 seats. Nevertheless, it managed to retain some districts in Abidjan, such as Cocody and Plateau, where prominent figures, including Jean-Marc Yacé, won. Notably, the party’s spokesperson, Soumaila Bidroomi, was re-elected from prison, where he has been held since November on
Ivory Coast has experienced political turbulence in recent years, particularly surrounding elections. The recent presidential election saw Alassane Ouattara re-elected amid controversy, with key opposition figures barred from participating. This has led to a polarized political landscape, with significant implications for the legislative elections that followed.
The legislative elections are crucial for the ruling party to consolidate its power and implement its agenda. The opposition, historically strong, has faced challenges in mobilizing support, particularly after calls for boycott from former President Laurent Gbagbo’s party.
