Ivory Coast’s chief urges youth to vote in key election, touting himself as most suitable option

ABIDJAN. Ivory Coast (AP) — Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara known as on the nation’s youth to vote in massive numbers within the upcoming presidential election, touting himself because the candidate most dedicated to their welfare throughout a marketing campaign rally Saturday.

Ivory Coast, a nation of 32 million and one among West Africa’s financial powerhouses, is because of maintain its presidential election on Oct. 25 with Ouattara operating in opposition to 4 different candidates.

The election is being held amid political tensions after key opposition figures have been barred from operating, together with former President Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit score Suisse chief govt Tidjane Thiam.

Talking at a rally within the capital of Abidjan, Ouattara, 83, mentioned he’s in search of a fourth time period to meet his guarantees of a greater life for younger folks. “I’ve at all times been dedicated to providing the most effective to our youth, so to begin companies, work, study, and be unbiased,” he mentioned.

After altering the structure in 2016 to take away presidential time period limits, analysts say Ouattara has excessive probabilities of profitable the election with little problem from the opposite candidates.

The Ivorian chief has mentioned he’s dedicated to addressing the nation’s safety and financial challenges. Nonetheless, opposition leaders mentioned his authorities has failed to fulfill expectations and prompt that these barred from operating have been faraway from the poll to pave approach for Ouattara’s victory.

The ban on key opposition leaders has prompted protests that authorities have tried to dam. A whole bunch of protesters have been arrested, with some already sentenced to time in jail.

At Saturday’s rally, Ouattara and his get together officers pitched his candidacy to 1000’s of youths in attendance. The Ivorian chief has “finished loads for younger folks, and we wish him to proceed,” mentioned Florine-Auxane Loukou Bledja, one of many native leaders of the ruling get together’s youth motion.