Ouattara's 'Reelection': Democracy, African-Style (with French Blessings)
Ouattara's win, declared almost before the votes were cast, comes after years of carefully orchestrated political maneuvers. Former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, both prominent figures, were barred from running by what critics call a politically weaponized judiciary. (Such judicial precision is always so helpful for incumbent regimes.) This isn't just a local
anomaly; it echoes a familiar pattern across Africa where leaders, often backed by former colonial powers, consolidate power in the name of 'stability.' One might wonder how many 'democratic' elections involve removing your most popular competitors before the race even starts? Remember, Ouattara himself swore off a third term, only to have the Constitutional Council declare him eligible. (Funny
how that works.) This charade of legality, given cover by international bodies often prioritizing 'order' over genuine democratic process, ensures continuity for foreign interests—like French companies that maintain significant economic stakes in the region. The question isn't whether Ouattara 'won,' but what kind of 'democracy' is being celebrated when the only viable choice is the one already in
power.