Ivory Coast Votes For President While Opposition Boycott Happens

Posted by: Kyeyune Andrew Jonathan in African News October 31, 2020

The western African nation of Ivory Coast is undergoing their presidential election as leading opposition parties boycott the polls. Tens of thousands of security forces were deployed across the country to help keep the elections at bay.

The opposition boycotted President Alassane Outtara’s bid for a third term in office saying it is illegal. They threatened to block polling stations from opening in the Abobo neighborhood of Abidjan. However, despite the threats, voters still queued up to cast their ballots.

At least 30 people have been killed in pre-election violence in the last few days, evoking memories of a 2010-11 crisis.

Polling stations opened at 8am (08:00 GMT) and will close at 6pm (18:00 GMT).

In Saturday’s vote, Ouattara’s main challengers will be former President Henri Konan Bedie and ex-Prime Minister Pascal Affi N’Guessan.

Violence;

One of the voters said all Ivorians who want peace should vote. He also said his greatest wish is for Ivory Coast to find peace again following the election because everyone is afraid of what will happen after the election.
There are clashes between the forces and the opposition. This prompted the UN to call for peace and calm in the West African nation.

The election is happening a decade after a post-electoral crisis left more than 3000 dead. Therefore, this recent history of the country underscores the need for authorities to ensure the election doesn’t lead to widespread intercommunal and political violence.

In 2010, then-president Laurent Gbagbo refused to accept defeat from Mr. Ouattara hence leading to months of violence. Mr. Ouattara finally prevailed and Gbagbo faced prosecution for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court.

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