Opposition leaders in Ivory Coast on Sunday called for a “civilian transition” from President Alassane Ouattara’s government after initial results showed the incumbent taking a strong lead in the October 31st vote, reported Africa News.
“The Ivorian opposition political parties do not recognize the election of October 31st, 2020. They note the end of president Ouattara’s mandate as of October 31st, 2020, and call on the international community to duly record it,” said FPI’s Pascal Affi N’guessan who spoke on behalf of all for the opposition parties.
In a joint statement, N’guessan and Henri Konan Bedie confirmed they rejected the October 31st vote and said that the opposition no longer recognized Ouattara as the country’s president.
“Therefore, the Ivorian opposition political parties demand the opening of a civilian transition, in order to create conditions for a just, transparent and inclusive presidential election,” N’guessan said.
Around five people lost their lives and several others were injured on the election-day clashes. Ouattara won all 20 of the districts that were announced by the electoral commission. Results from the other 88 districts are expected to be announced on early Monday.
Violent clashes have erupted in Ivory Coast since August when Ouattara proposed a reform that allowed him to reset a two-term presidential limit to run again. The opposition called it an “electoral coup” and Ouattara’s illegal bid to hold onto power.
At least 30 people were killed in the pre-election violence, leading to fears of the 2010 vote which resulted in a civil war that killed over 3,000 deaths.
Ouattara had previously said he would step down and hand over the reins to the younger generation. But he changed his decision after the sudden death of his chosen successor in July.
Votes are currently being counted from more than 20,000 polling stations and the result is expected to be announced in the next five days.
