Former Ivorian commerce minister Jean-Louis Billon has acknowledged the early lead of incumbent President Alassane Ouattara in the country’s presidential election, even as official results are still being compiled.
In a statement released on Sunday, Billon congratulated Ouattara, saying that initial tallies “place the incumbent president in the lead,” while urging for calm and respect for the democratic process.
Billon, one of several contenders in the race, ran without the formal backing of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), led by former Credit Suisse chief Tidjane Thiam, who was barred from contesting the election.
Ouattara, aged 83 and a former International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive, is seeking a fourth term in office amid a closely watched vote.
The Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) began releasing partial results from Saturday’s polls on national television, but has yet to announce the final outcome.
Observers say voter turnout appeared steady across much of the country, though official figures are still being verified.
