The official campaign for Ivory Coast’s presidential election has started on Friday. Two weeks decide over the future leadership of the West African nation. Incumbent Alassane Ouattara is one of five approved candidates. But controversial exclusions threaten to overshadow the elections, scheduled for October 25.
Read more: Ivory Coast: Two weeks decide over the futureThe election campaigns are monitored by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). The country has a history of post-election violence. In the years 2010-2011 thousands were killed in clashes. People fear there could be no peaceful transfer of power.
The race for the October 25 ballot favorites President Alassane Ouattara of the ruling RHDP party. Prominent opposition figures are Jean-Louis Billon of the Democratic Congress (CODE), former First Lady Simone Gbagbo, Henriette Lagou, and independent candidate Ahoua Don Mello.
The outcome of the election could severe implications for the 22 million inhabitants. Stability is at stake. Ivory Coast is the world’s largest cocoa producer, exports of gold are growing. Political continuity is essential for the economic future. After the Constitutional Council’s rejection of several candidates, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, tensions are high. Gbagbo has stated that he will not endorse any candidate in the forthcoming election.
Photo: Abidjan business center. By Abdallah Hussein, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
