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The Digest:

Côte d'Ivoire is heading to the polls in a presidential election marked by heightened security and political exclusion. Incumbent 83-year-old President Alassane Ouattara is the overwhelming favourite for a fourth term, while leading opposition figures have been barred from the ballot, leading to protests and a government-imposed curfew.

Key Points:
  • Incumbent President Alassane Ouattara is seeking a fourth term in office.
  • Leading rivals Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam were barred from contesting.
  • The government has deployed 44,000 security forces to maintain order.
  • A night-time curfew is in place in some regions, including the political capital.
  • Four people have died in pre-election violence in recent weeks.
  • The opposition has condemned the poll as an "electoral robbery."
  • The election is seen as a test of stability for the West African economic powerhouse.
As Ivorians cast their votes, the nation stands at a crossroads, navigating a storm of political ambition and democratic principles that will define its path forward.

Sources: AFP