Ivory Coast’s two main opposition parties have joined forces to demand the reinstatement of their disqualified leaders ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for October 25. They have warned that the vote would be delegitimized if their candidates are banned from running.
The new alliance brings together the African People’s Party – Ivory Coast (PPA-CI), led by former President Laurent Gbagbo, and the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), led by former international banker Tidjane Thiam. The move comes amid heightened political tensions after courts ruled that several prominent opposition figures could not run.
Speaking via video link, Thiam said the parties had decided to “join forces” to ensure the voices of the Ivory Coast people were heard at what he called a critical moment for the country’s future. “If nothing changes, we are heading towards an election without legitimacy or credibility,” he added.
The alliance is demanding that banned candidates be allowed to run and is also calling for electoral reforms and inclusive political dialogue. These demands echo those of a broader coalition of 20 parties formed earlier this year that includes the PDCI but not Gbagbo’s PPA-CI.
In a separate speech on Thursday, Gbagbo condemned President Alassane Ouattara’s expected bid for a fourth term as a threat to democratic principles. “If others are not allowed to compete for power, then there is no democracy anymore,” he said, vowing to oppose what he sees as a return to one-party rule.
While the opposition parties are coordinating their efforts, they have yet to discuss fielding a joint candidate. The government, meanwhile, maintains that the disqualifications were made independently by the judiciary and were not politically motivated.