Ivory Coast Votes in Opposition-Boycotted Election

Polls opened Saturday for a parliamentary election in Ivory Coast. The vote is proceeding despite a major opposition boycott. Leading opposition parties are refusing to participate. They accuse President Alassane Ouattara's government of unfair and repressive tactics. The parties allege these actions make a fair election impossible. The boycott means many races will be uncontested. Candidates from the ruling party are expected to win easily, strengthening the president's control over the National Assembly. Ivory Coast, a major cocoa producer, has faced political tension since President Ouattara won a controversial third term last year. That election was also marred by opposition boycotts and violent protests. The government has stated the current parliamentary election is constitutional and will proceed as scheduled.