In a decisive development in Ivory Coast’s 2025 presidential election, former commerce minister Jean-Louis Billon officially conceded defeat to incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, as early partial results indicate a commanding lead for the veteran leader. The announcement comes amid heightened political tension in the country, which is awaiting the final certified election results.

“The initial results place the incumbent President, Mr. Alassane Ouattara, in the lead, designating him the winner of this presidential election,” Billon stated on Sunday, extending his congratulations to the 83-year-old president. Billon was among four opposition candidates vying for the presidency but struggled to gain significant traction in an election largely dominated by Ouattara’s popularity in the northern regions.

Ouattara Eyes Historic Fourth Term

President Alassane Ouattara, a former International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive, is seeking an unprecedented fourth term in office. His candidacy has stirred controversy, particularly due to the exclusion of key rivals from the ballot. Former President Laurent Gbagbo was barred due to a criminal conviction, and Tidjane Thiam, the former Credit Suisse CEO and PDCI party leader, was excluded because of his French citizenship.

The absence of these prominent contenders has left Ouattara as the overwhelming favorite, with opposition candidates struggling to mount a serious challenge. This political backdrop has fueled protests in some areas, though the nation’s economic capital, Abidjan, has remained largely calm during the vote-counting process.

Partial Results Show Strong Ouattara Lead

On Sunday, the Independent Electoral Commission began announcing partial election results from across the country on national television. According to Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris reporting from Abidjan, “the results of 20 departments or divisions are being read out,” with 10–11 departments, including votes from six diaspora countries, still pending.

“From the initial results, it’s clear the incumbent is leading by a wide margin in many areas so far,” Idris noted. With nearly nine million registered voters, this election has been closely monitored for both domestic stability and regional political implications.

Security and Turnout Amid Divided Opposition

Ahead of the election, the government deployed over 44,000 security personnel to ensure a smooth voting process. While Abidjan streets have remained calm, scattered violence in other regions resulted in two reported deaths.

Early reports suggest voter turnout in Abidjan and southern opposition strongholds was lower than expected, while northern regions – traditionally supportive of Ouattara – saw higher participation. The president of the election commission, Ibrahime Coulibaly-Kuibiert, estimated turnout at around 50 percent, reflecting both voter apathy in opposition areas and enthusiasm in Ouattara’s base.

Opposition Challenges

With major opposition figures sidelined, none of the four candidates running against Ouattara represented a major political party capable of challenging the ruling Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP). This scenario echoes the 2020 election, in which Ouattara secured 94 percent of the votes amid a partially boycotted election.

The political landscape remains tense, as Ivorians await the final results that could see Alassane Ouattara sworn in for a historic fourth term. Analysts warn that while the capital remains peaceful, any significant delay or dispute in final result announcements could trigger unrest in other regions.

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Conclusion

Ivory Coast stands at a crucial political juncture. The 2025 election has highlighted deep divisions within the opposition and reinforced Ouattara’s dominance in Ivorian politics. With the final results pending, the international community and citizens alike are watching closely to see if the transition to a fourth term will proceed smoothly or trigger further political turbulence.