Incumbent Alassane Ouattara is the overwhelming favourite to secure a fourth term as Ivory Coast holds presidential polls Saturday, a task facilitated by the absence of several key opposition figures.

Ouattara, 83, has wielded power in the world's top cocoa producer since 2011, when the country began reasserting itself as a west African economic powerhouse.

"We want a knockout blow," chorus his allies as they target a decisive win in the first round and avoid a run-off.

The road back to the presidential palace seems clear with former president rival Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam both barred from standing.

The constitutional council did greenlight four opposition candidates but eliminated Gbagbo and Thiam on the grounds they have been removed from the electoral roll.

Thiam fell afoul of nationality-related legal issues stemming from him acquiring French citizenship and Gbagbo was excluded for a criminal conviction.

Their enforced absence only adds to a tense political climate.

Authorities have banned their rallies and meetings citing a risk to public safety.

Some 44,000........

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