Presidents Are Limited to Two Terms. He’s Running for His Fourth.

The upcoming presidential election in the Ivory Coast has been marred by controversy as the country's main opposition candidates have been disqualified from the race. The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the government of rigging the vote to ensure the re-election of President Alassane Ouattara.Ouattara, who has been in office since 2010, is seeking a fourth term in office despite constitutional term limits that restrict presidents to two terms. The 78-year-old leader had previously stepped down after two terms, but a constitutional overhaul in 2020 allowed him to reset his eligibility clock, paving the way for his fourth bid for the presidency.The opposition had been vocal in its criticism of Ouattara's candidacy, arguing that his bid for a fourth term was a clear breach of the country's constitution. However, the Constitutional Council, which is dominated by Ouattara's supporters, has ruled that the president's candidacy is valid, citing the changes to the constitution.The disqualification of the opposition candidates, including former Prime Minister Pascal Affi N'Guessan and former President Henri Konan Bédié, has left many wondering about the legitimacy of the election. The opposition has vowed to boycott the vote, which is scheduled to take place on October 31.Critics argue that Ouattara's re-election would further entrench his power and undermine the country's democratic institutions. The Ivory Coast has made significant progress in recent years, but the controversy surrounding the election has raised concerns about the country's stability and the future of its democracy.The international community has also expressed concern about the election, with the African Union and the European Union calling for an inclusive and transparent vote. However, with the opposition candidates out of the running, many fear that the election will be a mere formality, with Ouattara set to win a fourth term in office.