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Ex-presidents

Ivory Coast Prepares for Presidential Election Amid Controversy and Tensions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

More than 8.7 million voters in Ivory Coast are set to cast their ballots tomorrow, October 25, to elect a new president in a highly contested election. The election campaign, which ended yesterday, has been marked by tensions, although relatively minor violence was reported, including an attack on the offices of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) in Yamoussoukro on October 20.

The controversy surrounding the exclusion of former President Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam from the election has sparked debate among opposition parties. The five candidates running for the presidency are Jean-Louis Billon, Ahoua Don Mello, Henriette Lagou Adjoua, and outgoing President Alassane Ouattara, who is facing opposition from within his own party.

Key Takeaways:

  • The election campaign in Ivory Coast was marked by tensions and controversy surrounding the exclusion of former President Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam.
  • The election features five candidates: Jean-Louis Billon, Ahoua Don Mello, Henriette Lagou Adjoua, and outgoing President Alassane Ouattara.
  • The Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) reassured that the election could take place on the scheduled date despite a minor attack on their offices in Yamoussoukro on October 20.
  • The Ivory Coast Bishops' Conference addressed critical national issues, including the ethno-religious dimension of the presidential elections and the restoration of peace and brotherhood in a fragmented country.
  • The election campaign ended on October 23, and voting is set to take place on October 25.

Statistics:

  • 8.7 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the presidential election.
  • 5 candidates are running for the presidency.
  • The Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) relocated to a new office within 2 days to ensure the election would proceed as scheduled.
  • Minor violence was reported, including an attack on CEI offices in Yamoussoukro on October 20.

Sources:

  • Agenzia Fides, "More than 8.7 million voters go to the polls in Ivory Coast," 24/10/2025.
  • Agenzia Fides, "Former President Laurent Gbagbo excluded from Ivory Coast election," 4/10/2025.

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