Ivory Coast’s 83-year-old president, Alassane Ouattara, on Tuesday announced he would be contesting for a fourth term in the presidential election scheduled for October.

“I am a candidate because the constitution allows me to seek another term, and my health allows it,” Mr Ouattara said in a live broadcast circulated on social media on Tuesday.

Mr Ouattara’s declaration followed the disqualification of his prominent rival, Tidjane Thiam. The Ivorian court barred Mr Thiam from running based on his French citizenship, as the country’s law does not permit people with dual citizenship to contest elections.

Mr Ouattara, who first assumed office in 2010, would extend his firm grip on power for another five years if he wins the October election.

The Ivorian president’s declaration comes amid ageing African leaders changing constitutions to allow their perpetual stay in office.

A few weeks ago, 92-year-old Paul Biya of Cameroon also declared he would contest the next presidential election, while Ugandan Yoweri Museveni had similarly declared he would run in the next election.