Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara voted Saturday in the country’s presidential election, where he is seeking a fourth term in office.

“The peace of the nation is the most important thing,” he said to journalists after voting in Abidjan.

“Peace marked our country for 60 years, and then unfortunately we slipped, and this created many difficulties for us. It is clear that with this election, peace has returned.”

At 83, Ouattara’s decision has drawn widespread criticism, especially after two major opposition candidates were barred from running.

The move sparked protests earlier this month, which were met with a heavy crackdown.

Authorities banned political marches, and dozens of demonstrators have been sentenced to prison.

Despite the unrest, Ouattara remains the overwhelming favorite in a race where the opposition is fractured.

Many in Ivory Coast also see him as capable of maintaining stability in the country, which has suffered civil war and unrest in years past, especially around elections.