By Guest writer
Despite opposition push back, there are strong indications that President Alassan Quattara is poised for a fourth term bid in the October 25 election.
Recall that in 2020, president Quattara ran for a third term after initially announcing he wouldn’t seek reelection.
He said he changed his mind as a result of the death of his Party’s candidate,Amadou Gon Coulibaly.
Was that reason really strong enough for his tenure elongation? Why did the party not choose another person to fly its flag instead of allowing the death of the original candidate to be used as smokescreen by Quattara to advance his personal ambitions
What about this October polls! If the death of his party’s candidate in 2020 was the reason for going into a third term, why is he poised to do a fourth term now?
The disqualification of some opposition candidates, especially the popular Tidjane Thiam of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast, has heightened fears that Quattara will run. His supporters are rallying behind him even as his ruling party is preparing to endorse him.
Earlier this year, he expressed his willingness to continue serving his country, seen by many as a veiled declaration of intention to run for a fourth term.
Many Observers fear that with an incumbent president going for a fourth term bid, a fair contest that meets democratic standards can’t be guaranteed.
It is unfortunate that Quattara is following the footsteps of some African leaders who refuse to relinquis power. This issue is prevalent in some African Countries, where leaders exploit power and manipulate systems to maintain control.
Here are few examples
In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has been in power since 1986, initially seizing power through a bush war.
He has since manipulated the constitution to extend his rule, including removing presidential term limits and age limits, allowing him to remain in office for over 35 years.
President Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. Despite widespread criticism and protests, Biya has consistently extended his tenure through constitutional amendments and electoral manipulation.
In Equatorial Guinea, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has been in power since 1979, ruling the country with an iron fist for over 40 years. His regime is known for its authoritarian nature, human rights abuses, and corruption.
These leaders have used various tactics to maintain their grip on power, including: amending the constitution to remove term limits or extend presidential tenure.
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