Placide Konan, a slam poet in Abidjan, has been using his performances to criticize Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term amid widespread frustration over poverty and inequality.

Despite being a major economic hub and the world’s largest cocoa producer, the country faces a 37.5% poverty rate, with over three-quarters of the population under 35.

Ouattara, 83, is expected to win after key opposition figures, including former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, were disqualified, leaving him to face weaker challengers like Jean-Louis Billon and Simone Gbagbo.

The election has triggered protests, with authorities restricting gatherings, deploying over 40,000 security personnel, and arresting hundreds; at least three people have been killed, the AP has reported.

Analysts see the vote as part of a broader pattern in Africa where long-term leaders face growing resistance from younger citizens.