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Côte d’Ivoire’s Constitutional Council has approved five candidates for the October 25 presidential election, including incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, who is pursuing a controversial fourth term. The list notably excludes prominent opposition figures Tidjane Thiam and former President Laurent Gbagbo, whose bids were declared “inadmissible” due to eligibility criteria. Ouattara will compete against four rivals, including two women—former first lady Simone Ehivet Gbagbo and politician Henriette Lagou, who previously contested in 2015. The exclusion of key opponents has sparked accusations of an unfair process, with Thiam warning the election risks becoming a “coronation” rather than a competitive vote. Observers now fear heightened tensions ahead of the vote, especially since Côte d’Ivoire has not had a peaceful change of power since 1995.
RFI