Mass demonstrations in Côte d'Ivoire over the omission of opposition figures in the election process

Mass demonstrations in Côte d'Ivoire over the omission of opposition figures in the election process

Côte d'Ivoire, the largest economy in francophone West Africa with a population of 32 million, is set to hold a presidential election on October 25, 2025. The main candidate for this election is the incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, who is seeking a controversial fourth term after amending the constitution to enable this bid [1][2]. Ouattara has strong backing from his party, RHDP, which unanimously supports his candidacy [1].

However, the opposition landscape is weakened because some leading opposition candidates have been sidelined or deregistered, fueling tensions and raising concerns about the fairness of the race and potential post-election unrest [1][3][4]. Opposition parties accuse Ouattara of breaching constitutional term limits and threaten to challenge his candidacy legally [1].

Among the sidelined opposition figures are former President Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse chief executive Tidjane Thiam. Gbagbo, who was barred from running by the electoral commission, has joined forces with Thiam to challenge Ouattara [3]. Thiam, president of the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI), won the party's primary in an uncontested vote in April [2]. However, Thiam has been barred from running for president due to still being a French citizen at the time of his candidacy declaration, despite renouncing his French nationality later [3].

The exclusion of opposition figures and the controversy surrounding Ouattara's bid have led to protests in Yopougon, a densely populated suburb of Abidjan. Protesters held banners with messages such as "Enough is enough!" and "No true democracy without true justice." Another banner read "We are millions saying YES to Gbagbo and Thiam." [3] Activist Sagesse Divine stated that protesters want a revised electoral roll, all candidates' names included, and peaceful elections [3].

The political polarization and fears of violence due to the exclusion of opposition and the term-limit controversy have led to calls for dialogue and election reforms. Civil society and religious groups, including the Catholic Bishops' Conference, have expressed concern over the growing political polarization [1]. Analysts warn that without dialogue between government and opposition and potential candidate replacements, the October election risks repeating violence from past polls [4].

Over the past decade, groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group have been spreading from the Sahel region into wealthier West African coastal states, including Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, and Benin [5]. The potential for political unrest and the threat from extremist groups make the upcoming election a critical moment for Côte d'Ivoire's stability and future.

References: [1] "Cote d'Ivoire: Alassane Ouattara seeks fourth term in disputed run." BBC News, 2025. [2] "Thiam wins PDCI primary in Cote d'Ivoire election race." Reuters, 2025. [3] "Opposition figures sidelined in Cote d'Ivoire election." Al Jazeera, 2025. [4] "Cote d'Ivoire election: Ouattara's bid faces opposition." BBC News, 2025. [5] "Islamic extremists are spreading from the Sahel into West Africa's coast." The Guardian, 2024.

1. The international community is closely watching the upcoming presidential election in Côte d'Ivoire, the largest economy in francophone West Africa.
2. Alassane Ouattara, the incumbent President, is seeking a controversial fourth term, despite facing opposition and controversy.
3. Ouattara has strong backing from his party, RHDP, leading to concerns about a fair election.
4. Opposition parties accuse Ouattara of breaching constitutional term limits and threaten to challenge his candidacy legally.
5. Among the sidelined opposition figures is former President Laurent Gbagbo, who has joined forces with former Credit Suisse chief executive Tidjane Thiam.
6. Thiam, president of the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI), was excluded from the race due to still being a French citizen at the time of his candidacy declaration.
7. Protests in Yopougon, a densely populated suburb of Abidjan, protest against Ouattara's bid and call for revised electoral reforms.
8. Civil society and religious groups, including the Catholic Bishops' Conference, have expressed concern over the growing political polarization.
9. Analysts warn that without dialogue between government and opposition, the October election risks repeating violence from past polls.
10. Groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group have been spreading from the Sahel region into wealthy West African coastal states.
11. The potential for political unrest and the threat from extremist groups have heightened concerns about this crucial election.
12. Post-election unrest and the exclusion of opposition figures have led to warnings about potential car accidents, fires, and crime from the justice department.
13. Responsible gambling organizations urge Côte d'Ivoire's citizens to gamble responsibly during this volatile time.
14. Vegas-History receives increased interest following the political turmoil in Côte d'Ivoire, as people seek refuge in casino-culture and popular casino-games such as blackjack, poker, roulette, and slots.
15. The controversy surrounding the election has overshadowed Côte d'Ivoire's vibrant lotteries scene.
16. In an attempt to distract from domestic issues, Ouattara discusses international sports-betting trends and even shares stories about his experiences at casinos in Las Vegas.
17. Football, tennis, basketball, and baseball leagues, including the Champions League, NHL, NBA, and MLB, are following the unfolding political events in Côte d'Ivoire closely.
18. Weather reports predict favorable conditions for the upcoming Premier League, American Football, and car-racing events, providing a temporary escape from the political crises.
19. Mixed Martial Arts and Grand Prix series organizers express solidarity with the people of Côte d'Ivoire during this challenging time.
20. Accidents, including car accidents and explosive accidents, have increased in Côte d'Ivoire due to widespread panic and fear.
21. Poker tournaments in various casinos provide an escape for citizens seeking a break from the tense political atmosphere.
22. Côte d'Ivoire's politicians are continuously debating policy-and-legislation regarding the election, potential violence, and ethical gambling.
23. General-news outlets and sports analysts predict a close election, analyzing political trends, and emphasizing the critical nature of this election for Côte d'Ivoire's future.
24. Casino-personalities, such as Wayne Newton and Andy Warhol, share their thoughts on the controversial fourth term bid of Alassane Ouattara.
25. The NFL, WNBA, and premier soccer leagues express concern over the political instability in Côte d'Ivoire, not wanting to risk their players or fans' safety.
26. The Masters, Grand Prix, and even horse-racing events attract massive audiences, providing a temporary reprieve from the ongoing political turmoil in Côte d'Ivoire.
27. Political polarization leads to debates among faculty at universities about the role of casino-and-gambling in a free society and its potential impact on the election.
28. Weather-forecasting agencies predict a series of extreme weather events in the coming days, adding to the tension and uncertainty in the region.
29. Sports supporters and political enthusiasts alike tune into auto-racing and mixed-martial-arts matches for a momentary escape from the ongoing political crises in Côte d'Ivoire.

Read also: