Opposition leaders in Ivory Coast are demanding a “civil transition”, following Saturday’s presidential poll that their parties boycotted.

Pascal Affi N’Guessan and Henri Konan Bédié say it was illegal for President Alassane Ouattara to stand for a third term as it broke rules on term limits.

But the president’s supporters dispute this, citing a constitutional change in 2016 which they say means his first term effectively did not count.

Vote counting is still under way.

At least 16 people have been killed since riots broke out in August after President Ouattara said he would run again following the sudden death of his preferred successor.

At least two people were killed during Saturday’s vote.

Key opposition figures are urging mass protests to block what they describe as a “dictatorship”.

Mr N’Guessan said on Sunday: “Opposition parties and political groups call for the start of a civil transition.”

“[We] note the end of President Alassane Ouattara’s mandate on 31 October and call on the international community to take note,” he added, saying a civil transition was needed to “create the conditions for a fair, transparent and inclusive election.”

Source:BBC