Ironically, the increased turnout was helped by highly motivated online campaigns from various groups mobilising the electorate to cast their ballot with a spoiled vote, at a record level of almost 13 per cent. Turnout was highest in the constituency of Fine Gael ’s Heather Humphreys, where 55.41 per cent of the electorate cast their ballot.

Votes are being counted in Ivory Coast after citizens cast their ballots to elect a new leader. Longtime President Alassane Ouattara is seeking a fourth term, while his key contenders were barred from the race.

The electoral commission has said there “will clearly be a need for deeper and further reflection” about why there were so many spoiled ballots in the presidential election.

The California governor, a fierce critic of President Donald Trump, has been working to raise his national profile in recent years.