President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast has officially announced his candidacy for a fourth term in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 25, 2025. In a televised address on Tuesday, July 29, the 83-year-old leader defended his decision as a response to the country’s mounting challenges, insisting that both the Constitution and his health give him the legal and personal capacity to continue serving.
“After careful consideration and in full conscience, I have decided to be a candidate in the October 2025 presidential election,” Ouattara declared. “The Constitution of our country authorizes me to run again, and my health permits it.”
Ouattara’s move has reignited debate over the legitimacy of his extended tenure, despite its constitutional legality. His eligibility is largely based on a 2016 constitutional reform—introduced under his leadership—that reset presidential term limits. While the Ivorian Constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms, the 2016 changes created a new republic, effectively allowing Ouattara to start the count anew when he was re-elected in 2020.
Critics argue that legal frameworks should not override political commitments. Ouattara had previously pledged to step aside, saying he wanted to hand over power to a younger generation. “I made that promise in good faith,” he said in his address, “but duty sometimes takes precedence over a promise.” He cited security challenges in the region.
Analysts remain divided on the implications of this decision. “The security argument in the West African sub-region is well founded,” said Alexander Stroh-Steckelberg, a political science professor at the University of Bayreuth. “However, the security argument is not necessarily a good argument for extending the mandate.”
The ruling party, the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), unanimously nominated Ouattara during its national congress in June. Supporters within the party see his candidacy as necessary for continuity and stability. “With only three months left before the election, changing candidates now would be unthinkable,” said RHDP political council member Sekou Dao.
While Ouattara promises free, fair, and peaceful elections, many in the opposition view his candidacy as a setback for democratic progress, especially amid reports of excluded candidates such as Tidjane Thiam and former president Laurent Gbagbo.
AfrikPage
Ivory Coast: President Ouattara justifies his 4th term bid
