Tensions to shape, but not derail, Ivory Coast poll

Significance

The most serious challenger to President Alassane Ouattara's re-election, N'Guessan's candidacy probably marks the end of election boycotts by FPI, but rifts linger from the 2010-11 civil war.

Impacts

• Large-scale infrastructure investments will facilitate medium-term economic growth, despite possible volatility around the election.
• Foreign investors are likely to refrain from making major decisions before the poll but inflows will pick up in 2016.
• High user fees for the new Henri Konan Bedie toll bridge in Abidjan will probably reduce congestion by commuters.
• High global cocoa prices and robust output (Ivory Coast is the world's largest producer) will buoy government revenues.