Ivory Coast's Presidential Race: Youth Voices and Political Shifts

Ivory Coast's current presidential election has put the spotlight on generational tensions as incumbent Alassane Ouattara vies for a fourth term at the age of 83. The election, scheduled for Saturday, features Ouattara, who has overseen nearly 15 years of economic growth, but also faces scrutiny from the country's younger population.

Ouattara's trajectory into power followed a civil war that claimed 3,000 lives, with predecessors Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam excluded from the current race due to ineligibility. While Ouattara remains a clear front-runner, his candidacy underscores a theme of 'generational transmission' amidst a political landscape filled with leaders well into their 70s.

Despite the country's economic advancements, like robust cocoa production and successful international bonds, young voters express significant skepticism. Concerns about unemployment, economic inequality, and the lack of youthful representation are pervasive. The campaign, while mostly peaceful, has seen hundreds arrested, as the government promotes stability alongside maintaining order.