Former Ivory Coast commerce minister Jean-Louis Billon has conceded defeat to incumbent President Alassane Ouattara in Saturday’s presidential election, as early results showed Ouattara holding a commanding lead across much of the country.
In a statement released on Sunday, Billon acknowledged the outcome, saying, “The initial results place the incumbent President, Mr. Alassane Ouattara, in the lead, designating him the winner of this presidential election.” He congratulated the 83-year-old leader on his apparent victory.
Billon, one of four opposition candidates, had sought to position himself as a unifying figure but failed to secure the backing of the main opposition Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI). The PDCI’s leader, Tidjane Thiam, the former Credit Suisse chief executive, was barred from running in the election.
Ouattara, a former deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund, was widely considered the favourite to win a fourth term.
The vote took place peacefully, with no major disruptions reported, marking a calmer process compared to past elections that were marred by violence.
Provisional results are expected to be announced by the electoral commission within five days, but with partial tallies showing Ouattara ahead in most regions, his re-election appears all but certain.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
