Ivory Coast’s governing party has further consolidated its hold on power after securing an overwhelming majority in the country’s latest parliamentary elections, reinforcing President Alassane Ouattara’s dominance just weeks after his controversial re-election for a fourth term.
The Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) won 197 out of 255 seats in the National Assembly, representing roughly 77% of parliament, according to provisional results announced by electoral authorities. The outcome marks an expansion of the party’s already commanding majority and leaves the opposition significantly weakened.
The legislative vote comes barely two months after President Ouattara, 83, won another term in an election that was boycotted by parts of the opposition and criticised by civil society groups. His decision to run again, after previously indicating he would step aside, reignited long-standing political tensions in the West African nation.
Opposition parties struggled to mount a strong challenge, with several leaders citing an uneven political playing field, limited access to state media, and voter apathy. Turnout was reported to be relatively low in several constituencies, reflecting lingering disillusionment following the presidential poll.
With its reinforced parliamentary majority, the RHDP is now well positioned to pass legislation with little resistance, shape constitutional reforms, and advance President Ouattara’s policy agenda. Government officials have argued that the result provides political stability and continuity, which they say is essential for sustaining economic growth and attracting foreign investment.
Critics, however, warn that the concentration of power raises concerns about democratic checks and balances. Human rights organisations and opposition figures have called for greater political inclusion and dialogue to prevent a return to the instability that marked Ivory Coast’s past electoral crises.
Ivory Coast, one of the world’s leading cocoa producers, has experienced strong economic growth in recent years, but political divisions remain a sensitive fault line. Observers say the scale of the RHDP’s victory underscores both the ruling party’s organisational strength and the fragmented state of the opposition.
