Fact Check: Ivory Coast has a two-term limit for presidents, but President Ouattara argues it does not apply to him due to a constitutional referendum passed in 2016.

Fact Check: "Ivory Coast has a two-term limit for presidents, but President Ouattara argues it does not apply to him due to a constitutional referendum passed in 2016."

What We Know

Ivory Coast's current constitution, which was approved by referendum on October 30, 2016, and officially adopted on November 8, 2016, establishes a two-term limit for the presidency (source-1). However, President Alassane Ouattara has claimed that the new constitution allows him to run for a third term, arguing that his previous terms do not count against this limit due to the changes made in the 2016 constitutional referendum (source-2). This assertion has been met with significant controversy and opposition, as many believe it undermines the constitutional framework (source-4).

Analysis

The claim regarding the two-term limit is substantiated by the text of the 2016 constitution, which indeed stipulates that presidents can only serve two terms. However, Ouattara's interpretation hinges on the assertion that the constitutional changes effectively reset his term count. This interpretation has been challenged by opposition parties and various electoral observers, who argue that there is no clear legal basis for his claim (source-2, source-5).

The credibility of Ouattara's argument is further complicated by the political context surrounding the 2016 referendum. Critics have raised concerns about the legitimacy of the referendum process and the motivations behind the constitutional changes, suggesting that they were designed to facilitate Ouattara's continued rule (source-6).

The opposition has consistently maintained that Ouattara's bid for a third term violates the constitution and poses a risk of destabilizing the country, which is still recovering from past political turmoil (source-4). This ongoing tension highlights the polarized political landscape in Ivory Coast, where interpretations of the constitution are heavily influenced by party affiliations and historical grievances.

Conclusion

The claim that Ivory Coast has a two-term limit for presidents is True, as it is explicitly stated in the 2016 constitution. However, President Ouattara's assertion that this limit does not apply to him is contentious and lacks broad legal consensus. While he argues that his previous terms do not count due to the constitutional changes, this interpretation is disputed by opposition parties and electoral observers, indicating a significant divide in the understanding and application of the constitution in the current political climate.

Sources

1. Constitution of Ivory Coast
2. Ivory Coast opposition vows to form transition government
3. Thousands protest in Ivory Coast after opposition leader ...
4. Ivory Coast opposition says 3rd term for Ouattara would ...
5. Ivory Coast Constitutional Council confirms Ouattara re-election
6. Controversial constitutional referendum sparks distrust in Ivory Coast ...
7. Thousands protest in Ivory Coast after opposition leader barred from ...
8. Ivory Coast election: Opposition demands 'civil transition'