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Ivory Coast's democracy under scrutiny ahead of election - DW - 10/22/2025

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 8:18 GMT by dw
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Ivory Coast’s democracy under scrutiny ahead of election

In the weeks leading up to the 2024 presidential election, Ivory Coast’s political landscape is being examined through a critical lens by domestic actors, regional bodies, and international observers. The nation, long hailed as a model of stability in West Africa, now faces questions about the fairness of its electoral process and the potential for a democratic backslide.

Historical context

Ivory Coast’s first multi‑party elections in 1990 ushered in a period of democratic experimentation that was abruptly halted by a 1999 coup. Since 2000, President Alassane Ouattara of the Rally of the Republicans (RDR) has maintained a tight grip on power. His tenure has been marked by economic growth and relative peace after the 2002–2007 civil conflict, but also by accusations of authoritarianism, especially concerning the 2015 constitutional amendment that removed the presidential term limit, allowing Ouattara to run again in 2020 and now again in 2024.

Electoral reforms and opposition concerns

The ruling coalition has pushed through a series of electoral reforms that critics argue will consolidate its advantage. A new electoral law introduced this year has tightened the criteria for candidate registration, raised the deposit required to appear on the ballot, and limited the number of candidates per district. Opposition parties, notably the Democratic Party of the Ivory Coast (PDCI) and the Movement of the National Front (Mouvement du Front National), claim these changes disproportionately hamper smaller parties and independent candidates, effectively narrowing the field.

The opposition also points to the recent “public service” requirement for candidacy, which has led to the disqualification of several high‑profile figures. “We are being told that to run, you must have a public service career,” says PDCI secretary‑general, who declined to give his name. “That is a clear tactic to keep the RDR in power.”

Media freedom and campaign restrictions

Freedom of the press has taken a hit in the last six months. The government has passed legislation that increases penalties for journalists deemed to spread “unverified rumors” about the president. The media watchdog Freedom House rated Ivory Coast’s press freedom as “partly free” in its latest assessment, citing the new laws as a major concern. Radio stations that have historically provided a platform for opposition voices are now facing licensing revocations and increased scrutiny from the national broadcasting authority.

Campaign rallies, once a vibrant part of the electoral calendar, have seen heightened police presence. In several cities, the police have been instructed to limit crowds to no more than 300 participants per event, a restriction that many say hampers the opposition’s ability to reach voters. Social media platforms have also been targeted, with a recent crackdown on pro‑opposition groups that threatened to spread “disinformation.”

International observation and regional dynamics

The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have pledged to monitor the elections. However, their observation missions are largely symbolic, as they have declined to deploy significant resources or independent monitoring teams. The AU’s “Elections Observation Mission” was set to arrive a month after the election, a timeline that has drawn criticism from both the opposition and civil society groups.

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has expressed “deep concern” about the tightening of media laws and the upcoming election. EU spokespersons called for “transparent and inclusive” electoral processes, emphasizing the need for an impartial electoral commission.

Security concerns and the risk of unrest

Security forces have been deployed in larger numbers across the country in anticipation of the vote, citing the potential for post‑election violence. The Ministry of Interior released a statement that “the security situation is under tight control,” yet independent observers note that the police presence could be used to intimidate voters and curb dissent. The opposition has warned that a tightly controlled environment could lead to a repeat of the post‑2010 unrest that shook the capital, Abidjan, and its environs.

The role of civil society

Civil society groups, such as the Ivory Coast Civil Society Forum (ICCSF), have organized town‑hall meetings to educate citizens on voting rights and the importance of a free and fair election. Their efforts have faced obstacles, including the revocation of permits for public gatherings and the curtailing of internet access in certain districts. Despite these challenges, thousands of citizens have attended workshops and informational sessions, reflecting a resilient desire for democratic engagement.

Looking ahead

The upcoming election has become a crucible for Ivory Coast’s democratic future. While the RDR seeks to extend its hold on power through legal and procedural maneuvers, the opposition and civil society press for reforms that would level the playing field. International observers remain cautious, noting that the nation’s past experience with electoral manipulation could shape the outcome.

Whether the 2024 vote will uphold Ivory Coast’s reputation as a beacon of stability in West Africa or usher in a new era of authoritarian consolidation remains to be seen. The international community, domestic watchdogs, and ordinary voters will all be watching closely as the country prepares to cast its ballots.