Initial results from the Ivorian legislative elections held on Saturday, December 27th, indicate a landslide victory for President Alassane Ouattara’s party. The party has already surpassed the absolute majority threshold in parliament, securing more than 128 seats out of a total of 255. This dominant performance mirrors the presidential elections two months prior, where Ouattara won a fourth term with 89.77% of the vote in an election boycotted by key opposition figures.
The President’s party achieved near-total victories in its northern strongholds, such as Bouake (98.95%) and Korhogo (99.92%), even reaching 100% in some districts. It also strengthened its presence in the southern and western regions, traditionally considered opposition areas.
However, voter turnout was notably low, with only 32.34% of the 8 million registered voters participating, according to the Independent Electoral Commission. This figure is lower than the turnout in the 2021 elections. The boycott called for by the party of former President Laurent Gbagbo contributed to the low turnout, similar to what occurred during the recent presidential election.
Among the prominent winners are Vice President Tiemoko Meyliet Koné in Tafiré, former Prime Minister Patrick Achi in Adzopé, Youth Minister Mamadou Touré in Daloa, and Defense Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara, the President’s brother, in the Abobo district.
In contrast, the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), the main opposition force, suffered significant losses after holding approximately 60 seats. Nevertheless, it managed to retain some districts in Abidjan, such as Cocody and Plateau, where prominent figures like Jean-Marc Yacé secured victories. Notably, the party’s spokesperson, Soumaila Bredoumi, was re-elected despite being imprisoned since November on “terrorism” charges.
The complete results are expected in the coming days. This election is a key moment for the country.
