Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential race narrows as key opposition figures barred

Côte d’Ivoire’s upcoming presidential election has taken a dramatic turn,as the Constitutional Council barred two major opposition figures — former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam — from contesting the 25 October vote.

The council cited both men’s removal from the electoral roll: Gbagbo,due to a past criminal conviction,and Thiam,over nationality-related legal issues tied to his former French citizenship. Both had formally submitted their candidacies to challenge 83-year-old President Alassane Ouattara,who is seeking a controversial fourth term. The decision leaves just five approved candidates,including former First Lady Simone Gbagbo,and former ministers Jean-Louis Billon,Ahoua Don Mello,and Henriette Lagou.

Analysts say the exclusion of Gbagbo and Thiam,two of the most prominent challengers,significantly reshapes the electoral landscape. Thiam,both leader and nominee of the historically dominant and currently the largest opposition PDCI party,warned the vote risks becoming a “coronation” for Ouattara,whom he accused of seeking an unconstitutional mandate. Ouattara maintains that the 2016 constitution reset his term count.

The decision has stirred unease in the West African nation,which has a turbulent history of election-related violence. Gbagbo’s refusal to concede in 2010 had sparked a brief civil war that killed over 3,000 people. Though the government has pledged a peaceful vote,the narrowing of the field is already raising questions about the legitimacy and competitiveness of the upcoming election.