Ouattara Urges Youth Participation Ahead of Ivory Coast Presidential Election.

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara is appealing to young people to turn out in large numbers for this weekend’s presidential election, saying he remains the candidate most committed to their welfare.

The 83-year-old leader is seeking another term in Saturday’s vote in a nation of over 32 million people. The election, however, comes amid political tension after key opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse chief Tidjane Thiam, were barred from running.

While he has pledged to address security and economic challenges, critics accuse his government of silencing opposition voices and undermining fair competition.