Ivory Coast Launches Presidential Campaign Amid Political Tensions
3 min read
The race to elect a new leader begins as five candidates face off in a high-stakes contest overshadowed by controversy and memories of past violence.
The presidential campaign in Ivory Coast officially began on Friday, marking the start of a critical two-week race that could shape the nation’s political and economic future. Five approved candidates are vying for the top seat, including incumbent Alassane Ouattara.
With the election set for October 25, the campaign launch is unfolding under heightened scrutiny amid political tensions and public concern over stability.
Candidates Enter a Tense Political Arena
The Constitutional Council of Ivory Coast cleared five contenders for the upcoming ballot. Among them is President Ouattara of the ruling Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP), who kicked off his campaign in Abidjan, the country’s bustling economic capital.
Other key candidates include Jean-Louis Billon of the Democratic Congress (CODE), Simone Gbagbo, Henriette Lagou, and independent candidate Ahoua Don Mello.
The Independent Electoral Commission of Ivory Coast (CEI) has pledged to monitor the campaigns closely to ensure fairness and transparency.
Economic Stability at Stake
Ivory Coast, home to more than 33 million people, is not only a key player in regional politics but also a major driver of the West African economy. The nation is the world’s largest producer of cocoa and an emerging gold exporter, making political stability essential for its economic trajectory.
Observers stress that this election will be closely watched by investors, regional leaders, and international partners eager to see a smooth and peaceful democratic process.
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A Painful History of Electoral Violence
The stakes are particularly high due to the country’s painful history of post-election unrest. The 2010–2011 crisis, following a disputed vote, claimed thousands of lives and deeply divided the nation.
Although Ivory Coast has enjoyed relative stability since then, the scars remain, and many fear that renewed political tensions could once again trigger unrest if the election process is not seen as credible and fair.
Controversial Disqualifications Fuel Tension

The campaign is unfolding against a backdrop of controversy over the exclusion of several major political figures. The Constitutional Council’s rejection of the candidacies of Laurent Gbagbo, a former president, and Tidjane Thiam, former CEO of Credit Suisse, has sparked outrage among their supporters.
The disqualifications have already raised questions about the inclusivity of the electoral process and deepened existing political fractures.
Planned Demonstrations Heighten Political Uncertainty
In response to the exclusions, supporters of the disqualified candidates have announced plans to hold demonstrations on Saturday. Political analysts warn that these protests could escalate tensions in the run-up to the vote if not carefully managed by security forces and political leaders.
The government and civil society groups have urged all parties to prioritize dialogue and avoid actions that could destabilize the country during this sensitive period.
International and Domestic Calls for Calm
As campaigning intensifies, international observers and regional organizations are calling on all stakeholders to maintain peace and respect the democratic process. Civil society groups within Ivory Coast are also mobilizing to promote non-violent engagement and voter education.
Many Ivoirians hope this election can mark a turning point a moment to strengthen democracy rather than repeat the cycles of unrest of the past.
The Road to October 25
With just weeks before the vote, the political atmosphere in Ivory Coast is a delicate mix of optimism and apprehension. The candidates are expected to outline their visions for the country’s future, while security forces and observers brace for any signs of instability.
For a nation still healing from past divisions, the 2025 election represents both a challenge and an opportunity to reinforce democratic governance and chart a stable path forward.