Voting in Cote d'Ivoire's presidential election proceeded smoothly on Saturday, though voter turnout varied across polling stations in Abidjan. President Alassane Ouattara, seeking a fourth term, cast his vote late in the morning at Sainte Marie High School in Cocody. According to the Independent Electoral Commission, 25,678 polling stations were established, 25,370 within Cote d'Ivoire and 308 abroad, to accommodate more than 8.7 million registered voters, including more than 120,000 voting from overseas. Only a few voters had arrived before 08:00 local time, which marked the official start of voting. A total of 44,000 police officers, gendarmes and military personnel were mobilized nationwide to secure the vote. In the densely populated commune of Yopougon, police officers patrolled the streets on motorcycles and in pickup trucks. Voting has been taking place under tight security, with many national and international observers monitoring how the polls have proceeded. In total, 2,300 observers were deployed across the country. The election is taking place in a tense atmosphere, following court rulings that barred two main opposition leaders, Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, from running. The campaign period was marred by protests, some turning violent, resulting in the arrest of 700 people and prison sentences of up to 36 months for nearly 30 demonstrators. Shotlist: Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire - Oct 25, 2025: 1. Various of Cote d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara shaking hands with staff members, casting vote; 2. Various of voters lining up, casting vote, registering; 3. SOUNDBITE (French, dubbed in English) voter (name not given): "I have come to fulfill my civic duty, and everything is going on very well. The center is well secured, and the atmosphere is calm and peaceful. We pray that voting will proceed in the best possible way and conditions throughout the day, until the results are announced, so there will be calm in the country."; 4. SOUNDBITE (French, dubbed in English) voter (name not given) (partially overlaid with shot 5): "The turnout is low. Maybe it's because it's early in the day. But everyone should come here to vote. The city is quiet, everything is closed, it's a shame. The election shouldn't create so much tension. People are afraid; that's not normal during an election." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 5. Voter registering [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 6. Ballot box; 7. Voter walking to ballot box; 8. Security personnel; 9. Observers; 10. SOUNDBITE (English) Blessing Ruth Okwudiafor, observer (partially overlaid with shots 11-12): "Those that are in charge are in their places. People are taking their time to come out and cast their votes. So far, so good. We just expect that the citizens come to exercise their franchise peacefully, calmly and then go back home. That's our expectation. We don't want any record of any accident whatsoever. OK, yes, it's all about why we're here." [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 11. Observers; 12. Media crew [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 13. Various of voters registering, writing ballot, casting ballot, media crew. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]