Côte d’Ivoire: Ruling Party urges Ouattara to seek unprecedented fourth term

The ruling party of Côte d’Ivoire has expressed strong support for President Alassane Ouattara to seek a fourth term in the upcoming 2025 elections. This development increases the likelihood of the 82-year-old leader extending his tenure, despite previous indications of his desire to step down. The Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) passed a motion encouraging efforts to ensure the party’s victory under Ouattara’s leadership in the next presidential election.

Senior cabinet members, speaking anonymously, revealed that the party lacks a viable alternative candidate to Ouattara. A meeting was reportedly convened to persuade the president to stand for re-election. Party officials have emphasized that supporters are unwilling to consider any other candidate, effectively leaving Ouattara with little choice but to accept the nomination.

Ouattara’s nearly 15-year presidency has been marked by relative stability. However, his controversial third term bid in 2020 led to violent clashes resulting in dozens of casualties. The president had initially pledged not to run again but reversed his decision following the untimely death of his chosen successor, Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly.

The constitutional validity of Ouattara’s previous term has been a point of contention, with the president arguing that the 2016 constitution reset his term limits. Opposition parties dispute this interpretation. As Côte d’Ivoire approaches the 2025 election, the political landscape remains tense, with the ruling party’s push for Ouattara’s candidacy likely to spark further debate and potential unrest.