They engulf most of the civilians in the Ivory CoastThe incumbent President, Alassane Ouattara, won a controversial third term after defeating his opponents in the October presidential election. His victory sparked criticism from the opposition, who alleged that he had violated the constitution. According to the constitution of Ivory Coast, a president can only be in power for a maximum of two terms. The electoral commission announced that Ouattara had gathered 94% of the total votes. Though not everyone voted, up to 54% of the Ivorians had cast their ballots.
On November 2nd, 2020, the opposition candidates announced that they would form a transition government and conduct new elections. Pascal Affi and Henry Konan had urged their supporters not to cast their votes on election day. According to the electoral commission results, they got 1% and 2%.
Controversies in Ouattara
Mr. N’Guessan, an influential politician and Ouattara’s chief ally, cautioned that maintaining Mr. Ouattara as the head of state was a dangerous move. He said that he was in power illegally. Meanwhile, the presidents’ supporters who were jubilating in triumph took to Ouattara’s defense. They said that because of the constitutional change in 2016, Oattara’s first term did not count.
Ouattara’s’ party cautioned the opposition from igniting any rallies that would trigger chaos in the country. Despite the opposition’s plan to overthrow the new government. European Union is also concerned about the possibility of tensions in Ivory, more so since the people haven’t fully recovered from the 2010 postelection violence.
According to some observers, the elections were not that smooth and transparent. Voters were scared and intimidated. The polling stations in opposition strongholds were ransacked and election materials burned. Meanwhile, in Daoukro, protestors barricaded roads as tension escalated. Police used teargas canisters to scatter the demonstrators in Abidjan who was now riotous. They also blocked roads close to Beddi’s villa.
Amid the protests, the minister for security had deployed 35000 officers to ensure the safety of the election materials and the people. Mr. Ouattara called upon the demonstrators to halt the strikes. He told the protestors they were engaging in punishable criminal acts. Ouattara urged the people to emulate peace, for the growth of their country is dependent on a stable environment.
Fear
They engulf most of the civilians in the Ivory Coast in fear as they recall the 2010 post-election violence. The possibility of such an incident recurring is troubling them. It was during the 2010 elections when Gbagbo refused to concede defeat. Gbagbo and Ouattara differences had degenerated into political chaos resulting in the violence. Many Ivorians lost their homes, loved ones, businesses, etc. To date, some are still living as refugees in neighboring countries.
As riots seem to loom in the country, thousands of Ivorians have resorted to precautionary measures. Within the past week, the majority have fled to Ghana, Liberia, and Togo. People are scared for their lives, especially since in 2010, up to 3000 people succumbed. Unrest is also surging in opposition strongholds as rival groups are clashing. Amnesty International states that as of now, 30 people have succumbed amid the clashes.
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