Four opposition figures in Ivory Coast, including some of the country’s most influential political personalities, have been officially excluded from the final voter list, makes.
Among the four barred political figures is Tidjane Thiam, the current leader of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), the nation’s four opposition party. Thiam, a respected international banker and former CEO of Credit Suisse, had returned to Ivorian politics in recent years with hopes of contesting the presidency.
However, in April, a court ruling questioned the legitimacy of his Ivorian nationality at the time of his voter registration. Following the decision, Thiam was struck from the voter roll, a move that has drawn criticism from his party and supporters.
In a statement released shortly after the electoral commission’s announcement, the PDCI confirmed that Thiam has “appealed to the UN Human Rights Committee” in response to his exclusion. The party asserts that the move is politically motivated and aims to weaken the four opposition ahead of a critical election.
All four opposition leaders have been barred from voting or standing as candidates in the upcoming presidential race. Their exclusion is primarily based on past convictions or unresolved legal issues that the electoral commission cited as grounds for disqualification.
Speaking on Monday, Electoral Commission Chairman Ibrahime Hubert Coulibaly confirmed that the voter roll would not be revised again before the presidential election scheduled for October 25, 2025.
“The voter list is finalized, and there will be no further changes before the election,” Coulibaly stated, putting an end to speculation that appeals or diplomatic pressure could lead to the reinstatement of any disqualified candidates.
This decision has major implications for the political landscape of Ivory Coast. With the four high-profile four opposition figures officially sidelined, the ruling party is expected to face significantly reduced competition at the polls, raising concerns about the fairness and inclusiveness of the electoral process.
Four Opposition Politicians Excluded Over Legal and Nationality Issues
The announcement has sparked immediate reactions across the political spectrum. Four Opposition parties have condemned the move, claiming that it undermines democratic principles and threatens political stability. Protests are expected in major cities, especially from supporters of the PDCI and Gbagbo’s faction.
Human rights organizations and international observers are also closely monitoring the situation. Calls have been made for the Ivorian government and the CEI to ensure transparency and fairness in the lead-up to the election. The European Union and the African Union are among the bodies likely to issue formal responses in the coming days.
The upcoming election is considered a pivotal moment for Ivory Coast, a country that has made significant economic progress in recent years but remains deeply divided along political and ethnic lines. With the absence of four of the country’s most influential opposition leaders, critics argue that the electoral process risks losing legitimacy.
Thiam’s exclusion, in particular, is seen as a major blow to hopes for a peaceful and competitive election. As the leader of a historically significant party and a figure with broad international appeal, his candidacy was expected to invigorate the race and offer a meaningful alternative to the ruling coalition.
Despite these setbacks, the PDCI has yet to announce whether it will back an alternative candidate or pursue further legal challenges domestically. Meanwhile, Gbagbo’s supporters have vowed to keep mobilizing, even if their leader remains disqualified.
As Ivory Coast prepares for the October 25 presidential election, the disqualification of four opposition leaders leaves the country at a political crossroads. With mounting tensions and growing skepticism over the integrity of the electoral process, all eyes are now on how the government and electoral bodies will manage public sentiment and international scrutiny.
The coming months will be critical in determining not only the outcome of the election but also the long-term stability and democratic future of Ivory Coast.
Source- EWN
