ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (BN24) — Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Abidjan on Saturday, rallying near the headquarters of the independent electoral commission to protest the exclusion of opposition leader Tidjane Thiam from the upcoming October 25 presidential election.
Despite torrential rains, supporters of Thiam’s Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI) filled the streets in a peaceful demonstration, demanding the reinstatement of Thiam and three other prominent opposition figures who were barred from the final candidate list released by the electoral commission on June 4.
Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse and a central figure in Ivorian politics, was disqualified on the basis of dual nationality, according to a prior court ruling. Although born in Ivory Coast, Thiam held French citizenship, which he officially renounced in March. The court ruled that the renunciation came too late to meet eligibility requirements — a decision the opposition has sharply criticized.
In a video message posted on Facebook, Thiam thanked his supporters and called for sustained mobilization. “Beyond my own case, this is a movement to ensure democracy prevails in our country. I will soon be with you in Abidjan so we can continue this fight,” he said.
Protesters, clad in green and white — the colors of the PDCI — carried signs that read “Corrupt justice” and “Thithi president”, using Thiam’s nickname. Senior party members entered the electoral commission offices to deliver a formal letter demanding that all excluded candidates be restored to the electoral list.
“We strongly denounce the arbitrary and unjust removal of President Thiam and other key opposition leaders from the electoral list,” said PDCI Executive Secretary Sylvestre Emmou, addressing reporters after the meeting.
The protest comes amid mounting political tension in Ivory Coast, a country still scarred by the post-election violence of 2010–2011, which left over 3,000 dead. Fears are growing that political exclusion could again ignite unrest ahead of the election.
President Alassane Ouattara, who has been in power since 2011, is expected to announce his candidacy later this month at a ruling party congress. Though Ivory Coast’s constitution imposes a two-term limit, Ouattara has argued the 2016 constitutional referendum reset the count, allowing him to seek a fourth term if he chooses. His 2020 re-election was widely disputed and boycotted by opposition parties, further eroding confidence in the electoral process.
The exclusion of major opposition figures like Thiam is seen by critics as a blow to the country’s democratic integrity, and demonstrations are expected to intensify in the lead-up to the vote.
