Nigeria, Nov. 7 -- Only half of Cote d'Ivoire's electorate officially voted in the 25 October polls that returned President Alassane Ouattara to power. It was confirmed on 4 November that Mr Ouattara won a fourth term with 89.77 per cent of the votes, far ahead of his four opponents, who together received only 8.63 per cent.

The low voter turnout (50.10 per cent) reflects the climate of fear and political tension surrounding the process. It is a reminder that Ivorian democracy - particularly regarding elections - remains fragile, 35 years after the introduction of multiparty politics.

Tensions were fuelled by several factors. First, the entire opposition questioned the neutrality of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) and the rel...