Billon was among four opposition candidates running against Ouattara, the 83-year-old former International Monetary Fund executive who is seeking a fourth term in office.
Ivorians are heading to the polls on Saturday in one of the most watched presidential elections in West Africa. Incumbent Alassane Ouattara is seeking to defeat four other candidates to secure a fourth term – though key opposition figures are not on the ballot.
At the heart of the 2025 contest is Paul Biya, who has held the presidency since 1982. In 2008, a constitutional amendment removed presidential term limits, enabling him to seek re-election indefinitely.
The Electoral Commission announced that no candidate had secured the required 50% plus one vote needed for an outright victory in the vote that took place last month.
In a country where one half yearns for continuity and the other for change, Ouattara must persuade those skeptical of power endurance that his fourth term is not a betrayal of democracy but a bridge to a more inclusive future.
Opposition leader Patrick Herminie received 48.8% of the vote against the incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan who garnered 46.4%, the electoral commission announced.
Take Voters' Compass
