In a significant development in Ivory Coast’s political landscape, opposition parties have come together in a rare display of unity to demand crucial electoral reforms ahead of the October 2025 presidential election.
The move comes in response to perceived shortcomings in the electoral system and a call for more transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
The coalition of opposition parties, along with civil society organizations, has made it clear that they are committed to working together to push for necessary changes to the electoral framework.
This united front includes prominent political figures such as Tidjane Thiam of the Parti Démocratique de Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), Laurent Gbagbo’s Parti des Peuples Africains-Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), and Simone Gbagbo’s Mouvement des Générations Capables (MGC).
Simone Gbagbo, who leads the MGC, has emphasized the importance of unity among the opposition parties in their quest for electoral reform.
She highlighted the urgent need for the government to engage in open and inclusive discussions with all stakeholders to ensure that the upcoming elections are fair, inclusive, and transparent.
One of the key concerns raised by the opposition is the perceived lack of credibility in the current electoral system.
Simone Gbagbo pointed out that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) faces significant challenges, particularly regarding its independence and neutrality.
She called for reforms that would strengthen the IEC and remove undue political influence from its decision-making processes.
The demand for electoral reform in Ivory Coast reflects a growing consensus among opposition groups that the existing system is inadequate and in need of significant improvements.
By coming together and presenting a united front, the opposition parties are sending a strong message to President Alassane Ouattara’s camp that they are determined to advocate for changes that will ensure a more democratic and transparent electoral process.
At the second edition of ‘Fete des Libertes’, the call for an independent Electoral Commission (IEC) free from political party influence was reiterated by various political figures.
Georges Ezaley, representing the opposition party PDCI, emphasized the importance of a strong opposition in Côte d’Ivoire and expressed support for the electoral mapping stance of MGC.
Other political party representatives present at the event included Charles Ble Goude of Cojep, Joseph Adahé Yao of FPI, Boussou N’Da of RPP, Konet Adama of MFA, Yao Kouman of GPS, and Ebrin Yao Remi of ‘Mouvement Engagement Citoyen de Côte d’Ivoire’. ICONE, founded by late Jean-Yves Dibopieu, was also represented.
The event culminated with a declaration from President of MGC, Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, emphasizing the need for unity and harmony among the people of Côte d’Ivoire to facilitate the nation’s reconstruction process.
Plans for the third ‘Fete des Libertes’ in 2025 were also announced, promising more discussions on political independence and collaborative efforts towards national reconciliation.
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