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Ivory Coast's election on Saturday was marred by intimidation, violence and electoral malpractice, an observation group has said.

"An election is the moment when a society comes together to experience and live out democracy, but the context that prevailed on election day... shows that a large segment of the Ivorian population did not experience this election in peace," PTI Advocacy Group said in a statement.

It found that at least 23% of polling stations remained closed nationwide, some closed early, while others changed location without notifying voters.

"In 6% of polling stations​, voting was suspended before the counting and announcement of results could be completed," the organisation reported.

It said a significant number of voters were disfranchised because polling stations did not open, adding that even those people who were able to vote did so "in a context of fear and anxiety".

The advocacy group urged the electoral commission to be transparent about the vote and, among other recommendations, to publish an exhaustive list of polling centres and polling stations that did not open on election day.

It also urged political leaders not to incite their supporters and asked the public to refrain from violence.

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara is expected to win a controversial third term in office in a poll that has been boycotted by main opposition parties.

Early results show he has taken a commanding lead.