Former Ivory Coast commerce minister Jean-Louis Billon conceded defeat to incumbent President Alassane Ouattara in the country’s presidential election, citing partial results that show Ouattara with a large lead in many localities.
Billon, one of four opposition candidates, offered congratulations to the 83-year-old president, who is seeking re-election for a fourth term.
Ouattara, a former deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund, has been the heavy favorite in the contest, which unfolded without major disruption.
Provisional results are expected within five days.
Billon had attempted to gain the backing of the opposition PDCI party, led by Tidjane Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse, who was ruled ineligible for the election.
