In a move that has sparked immediate controversy, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, 83, declared his intention to seek a fourth term in the upcoming October elections. Citing the need to maintain "national stability amid ongoing security and economic challenges," Ouattara's decision has been met with fierce opposition, with critics arguing it violates the nation's constitution.

Ouattara maintains that a 2016 constitutional overhaul resets his term count, allowing him to run again. However, this interpretation is widely contested, particularly given the exclusion of several prominent challengers from the race, including former President Laurent Gbagbo, ex-Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, and former minister Tidjane Thiam.

Thiam swiftly condemned Ouattara's announcement, calling it "a violation of our Constitution and a new attack on democracy." Opposition groups had planned a peaceful protest for August 7 to demand the reinstatement of disqualified candidates and an audit of the voter list, but authorities have banned the demonstration.

While Ouattara hopes to leverage his track record of economic growth – Ivory Coast's economy has expanded by over 6% annually for the past four years – his bid occurs amid growing public disillusionment with the political establishment. The exclusion of key opposition figures has raised concerns about a repeat of past electoral violence, casting a shadow over the upcoming polls.

More than 8.7 million Ivorians are registered to vote. The heightened political polarization has prompted expressions of alarm from civil society groups and religious leaders, including the Catholic Bishops' Conference. The international community is watching closely as Ivory Coast navigates this turbulent political landscape.