President Alassane Ouattara has secured a fourth term in office after winning 89.7 percent of votes in Côte d’Ivoire’s October 27 election, extending his rule to nearly two decades.

The country’s electoral commission announced the results on Monday, describing the election as largely peaceful but noting low voter turnout, estimated at just under 50 percent.

Ouattara, 83, first came to power in 2011 after years of political turmoil. His latest victory, however, was marked by controversy, with several leading opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex–Prime Minister Tidjane Thiam, barred from contesting.

Opposition candidate Jean-Louis Billon conceded defeat after receiving about 3 percent of the vote, while his party described the poll as “deeply flawed.”

The run-up to the election was tense, with demonstrations in parts of Abidjan and other cities demanding broader political participation. Human rights groups have since raised concerns about restrictions on opposition rallies and the arrest of several activists.

Despite the criticisms, Ouattara’s supporters celebrated across the country, calling his win a mandate to continue his economic and infrastructure reforms. Under his leadership, Côte d’Ivoire has maintained one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies, though unemployment and political inequality remain persistent challenges.

Ouattara’s new term will run until 2030.