What's happened
As of November 4, 2025, Cameroon’s 92-year-old Paul Biya has secured an eighth presidential term with 53.66% amid violent protests and opposition claims of rigged elections. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast’s 83-year-old Alassane Ouattara won a fourth term with 89.77%, following the exclusion of key rivals and low voter turnout. Both countries face political tensions, arrests, and concerns over democratic fairness.
What's behind the headline?
Political Entrenchment and Democratic Challenges
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Both Cameroon and Ivory Coast illustrate the persistence of long-serving leaders in Africa, with Biya and Ouattara extending their rule into their eighth and fourth terms respectively.
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The exclusion of key opposition figures in Ivory Coast, notably Gbagbo and Thiam, has weakened electoral competition, raising questions about the fairness and inclusiveness of the process.
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In Cameroon, Biya’s victory amid violent protests and a contested result highlights deep political divisions and dissatisfaction, especially among youth and opposition supporters.
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The heavy security presence and arrests in both countries reflect governments’ prioritization of stability over political openness, risking further alienation of citizens.
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These elections underscore a broader regional pattern where constitutional changes and legal rulings are used to extend incumbents’ power, often at the expense of democratic norms.
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The lack of clear successors in both countries adds uncertainty about future political transitions, potentially destabilizing governance.
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For international observers and investors, these outcomes signal continuity but also underline ongoing risks of unrest and governance challenges.
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Citizens face economic hardships and political repression, which may fuel future protests and instability if grievances remain unaddressed.
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The next steps will likely involve managing opposition dissent, addressing economic concerns, and navigating the delicate balance between order and democratic freedoms.
What the papers say
The Associated Press reports on Cameroon’s tense post-election environment, noting that "four protesters were shot dead in Douala" and "more than 100 were arrested" amid clashes with security forces. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary claims victory and calls for nationwide lockdowns, while the Constitutional Council confirmed Biya’s win with 53.66% (AP News, Oct 27-Nov 4). Al Jazeera highlights the exclusion of key opposition figures in Ivory Coast, stating that "former President Laurent Gbagbo was barred over a criminal conviction, and Tidjane Thiam was disqualified for acquiring French citizenship," which critics say "gave Ouattara an unfair advantage" (Al Jazeera, Oct 25-27). The South China Morning Post emphasizes Ouattara’s decisive 89.77% win amid low turnout and opposition boycott, noting that "voters felt they had no real choice" (SCMP, Oct 28). Analysts like Moquet César Flan warn of potential unrest and political fragmentation in Ivory Coast, with concerns over succession and party unity (All Africa, Nov 3). These sources collectively reveal contested elections marked by legal exclusions, protests, and government crackdowns, painting a complex picture of political stability and democratic deficits in both countries.
How we got here
Cameroon’s Paul Biya, in power since 1982, won the October 12 election amid opposition protests led by Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claims victory and alleges rigging. In Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara’s 2025 re-election followed the barring of main rivals Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, sparking protests and a low turnout of about 50%. Both nations have histories of electoral violence and political unrest.
Go deeper
- Why were key opposition candidates barred in Ivory Coast?
- What triggered the protests in Cameroon after the election?
- How might these election outcomes affect regional stability in West Africa?
Common question
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Why Are Opposition Candidates Being Disqualified in Ivory Coast?
The upcoming Ivory Coast presidential election has sparked widespread concern due to the disqualification of key opposition candidates. This move has raised questions about the fairness of the electoral process and the potential for unrest. Many wonder what the reasons behind these disqualifications are and how they might affect the country's stability. Below, we explore the main issues surrounding this controversial election and what it means for Ivory Coast's future.
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What’s Next for Ivory Coast After Election Tensions?
Ivory Coast's upcoming presidential election has sparked significant unrest, with opposition disqualifications, protests, and fears of violence. As the country navigates this turbulent period, many are wondering what could happen next. Will the tensions lead to conflict? How are international communities responding? And what are the possible outcomes if the election results are challenged? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Ivory Coast’s current political crisis and what the future might hold.
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Why Is President Ouattara Seeking a Fourth Term in Ivory Coast?
The upcoming Ivory Coast election has sparked widespread debate and concern. President Ouattara's push for a fourth term, despite changing the constitution to remove term limits, raises questions about democracy, legal boundaries, and public opinion. Many wonder why leaders seek extended power and what it means for the country's future. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this political move and its implications for Ivory Coast and beyond.
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What Are the Global Reactions to Ivory Coast’s Election Controversy?
The upcoming presidential election in Ivory Coast has sparked international concern and varied reactions from around the world. With opposition candidates disqualified and protests erupting, many are asking how other countries and organizations are responding. This page explores the global response, potential regional impacts, and what diplomatic actions might follow as Ivory Coast faces a critical political moment.
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Has Ivory Coast Experienced Similar Tensions Before?
Ivory Coast has a long history of political unrest, especially surrounding elections. Past conflicts, including a civil war in 2010-2011, have shaped the country's current political landscape. Understanding whether similar tensions have occurred before can help explain the current unrest and what might happen next. Below, we explore the country's history of political conflicts, lessons from past elections, and the long-term impacts of electoral disputes.
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Why Did Ivory Coast's Election Lead to Violence?
The recent presidential election in Ivory Coast has sparked significant unrest, protests, and violence. Many wonder what caused this turmoil and what it means for the country's future stability. In this page, we explore the key issues behind the election violence, the role of security forces, and what the future might hold for Ivory Coast amid ongoing protests and political tension.
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How Do Election Disputes Lead to Violence Worldwide?
Election disputes can spark social unrest and violence in many countries. When election results are contested or perceived as unfair, tensions rise, often leading to protests, clashes, or even civil conflict. Understanding the patterns behind these conflicts helps us grasp why some elections turn violent and what measures can be taken to prevent unrest. Below, we explore common causes, responses, and solutions related to election-related violence around the globe.
More on these topics
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Alassane Dramane Ouattara is an Ivorian politician who has been President of Ivory Coast since 2010. An economist by profession, Ouattara worked for the International Monetary Fund and the Central Bank of West African States, and he was the Prime Minister
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Paul Biya is a Cameroonian politician serving as the president of Cameroon since 6 November 1982. He is the second-longest-ruling president in Africa, the longest-ruling non-royal leader in the world, and the oldest head-of-state in Africa.
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Koudou Laurent Gbagbo is an Ivorian politician who was the President of Côte d'Ivoire from 2000 until his arrest in April 2011.
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Tidjane Thiam is a French and Ivorian businessman, and the executive chairman of Freedom Acquisition Corp. He was the chief executive officer of Swiss bank Credit Suisse from March 2015 to February 2020.
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Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d'Ivoire and officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, is a country on the southern coast of West Africa. Its capital city of Yamoussoukro is located in the centre of the country, while its largest city and economic centr
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Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon, is a country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west and north; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo to
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Abidjan is the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire and one of the most populous French-speaking cities in Africa. According to the 2014 census, Abidjan's population was 4.7 million, which is 20 percent of the overall population of the country, and this als
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Douala is the largest city in Cameroon and its economic capital. It is also the capital of Cameroon's Littoral Region. Home to Central Africa's largest port and its major international airport, Douala International Airport, it is the commercial and econom
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Issa Tchiroma Bakary is a Cameroonian politician who served in the government of Cameroon as Minister of Transport from 1992 to 1996 and has been Minister of Communication since 2009.