By: Oluwaseye Ogunsanya
The Ivory Coast is getting prepared for a crucial presidential election on October 25, 2025, an event that will test the country’s democratic resilience and its ability to navigate a political environment shaped by history, ambition, and misinformation.
With tensions simmering beneath the surface, the stakes are high for both the candidates and the citizens who must decide the nation’s next chapter.
The vote will follow a two-round system: If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, the election will head to a runoff. The elected president will serve a five-year term, which would allow him or her to shape the country’s political direction for the remainder of the decade.
The Candidates
At the center of the race is President Alassane Ouattara, the 83-year-old incumbent seeking a fourth term in office. Supporters hail him as the architect of Ivory Coast’s post electoral crisis economic revival, he is credited for the country’s infrastructural expansion and relative political stability. However, his candidacy has reignited debates about democratic continuity and constitutional limits. Many critics argue that his decision to seek another term undermines the very democratic principles he once championed, pointing to constitutional changes that conveniently allow his re-election bid.
Contrastively, Simone Gbagbo, the former first lady whose political resurgence has gotten the attention of the public. Once a central figure during one of Ivory Coast’s most turbulent political eras, Gbagbo now positions herself as an advocate for the marginalized, championing education, youth empowerment, and social inclusion. Her critics, however, question whether her leadership can truly signal a break from the country’s violent past.
Jean-Louis Billon, a wealthy businessman and former minister, is another key contender, who represents a different strand of opposition. His campaign leans heavily on the promise of economic modernization. He appeals to urban youth frustrated by rising inequality and unemployment, arguing that Ouattara’s model of economic growth benefits only the elite. His technocratic tone and private sector background have made him a refreshing, if untested, alternative to Ivory Coast’s established political class.
Meanwhile, candidates such as Henriette Lagou Adjoua and Ahoua Don Mello, though less visible on the national stage, continue to shape regional and issue-based conversations. Their platforms focus on social justice, rural development, and regional inclusion, even as they struggle to compete with the more dominant figures.
Misinformation Concerns
Yet, beyond the candidates’ promises, another powerful force looms over this election: misinformation. In the months leading up to the polls, social media has become a battleground of competing narratives, with fabricated stories and manipulated content spreading rapidly. False claims about candidates’ health, corruption records, and even fabricated speeches circulate widely, blurring the line between fact and fiction.
This misinformation does more than mislead, it erodes trust. Young voters, who already express frustration with political stagnation, are particularly vulnerable to fatigue and disillusionment. Others retreat into ideological or regional camps, deepening divisions that echo the fault lines of past conflicts.
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Recognizing the danger, several organizations are stepping in to counter the tide. Fact-checking initiatives, including those led by independent media and civil society groups, are working to debunk viral falsehoods and provide credible updates. Parallel efforts in media literacy seek to equip citizens with the skills to verify information before sharing it. These interventions, though still limited in reach, are vital in preserving the integrity of the public sphere.
Conclusion
As election day approaches, attention will turn to a few critical factors. Voter turnout, especially among the youth, could determine the legitimacy of the process and the strength of the eventual mandate. Security will also remain a major concern; Ivory Coast’s electoral history is marked by violence, and authorities are already deploying additional forces to prevent unrest. International observers are also expected to play an important role in ensuring transparency and reinforcing public confidence.
The days ahead will reveal whether Ivory Coast can sustain a peaceful, credible election amid mounting challenges. The 2025 polls are not merely about choosing a president; they are a referendum on the country’s democratic maturity. How Ivorians navigate the storm of misinformation and political tension will shape the credibility of their democracy and perhaps, set the tone for the nation’s future stability.
