Ivory Coast Elections Expose a Democracy Under Siege and a Threat to Stability

As Ivory Coast heads to the polls on October 25, the nation stands at a crossroads that extends far beyond its borders. This election is not merely about choosing a president—it is about whether democratic principles will survive amid governmental overreach and political repression. For the United States, committed to supporting democratic governance and regional stability in Africa, ignoring these developments risks jeopardizing an important sphere of influence. Why Are Key Opposition Leaders Silenced? The elections occur against a backdrop of systematic exclusion: prominent opposition figures—including former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-banker Tidjane Thiam—have been barred from running. The official...