Ivory Coast votes in key election that may extend longtime leader's rule

"Polls open in the West African nation in a heated election set to deliver a fourth term to 83-year-old Alassane Ouattara. Voters in the Ivory Coast are casting ballots for president with incumbent Alassane Ouattara the overwhelming favourite as he runs for a fourth term. Nearly nine million Ivorians will vote on Saturday from 8am to 6pm (08:00 to 18:00 GMT), choosing from a field of five contenders. list of 3 itemsend of list Opposition heavyweights, however, aren't running for the post."

"Former President Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam have been barred from standing, the former for a criminal conviction and the latter for acquiring French citizenship. Critics said the exclusion of key candidates has given Ouattara, 83, an unfair advantage and essentially cleared the way for his fourth term. None of his four rivals represents an established party nor do they have the reach of the ruling Rally of Houphouetistes for Democracy and Peace (RHDP)."

"At the Riviera Golf 1 Primary School in the Ivory Coast's economic capital, Abidjan, where Gbagbo is expected to cast her vote, the atmosphere appeared calm as the first voters began to queue in the early hours of Saturday. This vote means a lot to us, Konate Adama told Al Jazeera. We need a candidate to emerge from these elections. It will lead us towards peace, wisdom and tranquillity."

Presidential polls are underway in the Ivory Coast with incumbent Alassane Ouattara the clear favourite to secure a fourth term as nearly nine million voters cast ballots. Key opposition figures including former president Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam were barred from running, cited respectively for a criminal conviction and for acquiring French citizenship. Critics contend these exclusions advantaged Ouattara and weakened competition. None of the remaining challengers commands the nationwide reach of the ruling RHDP. Candidates include Jean-Louis Billon, Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, Ahoua Don Mello and Henriette Lagou Adjoua. Voter turnout will be critical.

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