The rain fell heavy, but that didn’t keep thousands of people from turning out on Saturday in Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s bustling commercial capital, to demand fairness and justice in their country’s electoral process. Supporters filled the streets near the offices of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), holding placards and chanting messages like “Thithi President” and “Corrupt Justice” — a powerful expression of growing disquiet.
Thiam, a former Credit Suisse CEO and a well-respected political leader, was removed from the final list of presidential candidates on June 4 alongside several other opposition figures. The commission cited a previous court ruling related to Thiam’s French citizenship — a decision Thiam strongly disputes.
Thiam was born in Ivory Coast but later became a French citizen, which he renounced in March 2025 in a bid to clear his path toward the highest office in the country. Nevertheless, a court upheld his disqualification — fueling outrage among his supporters. Thiam addressed the demonstrators in a video message, stating, “Beyond my own case, this is a movement to make sure democracy prevails in our country. I will soon be with you in Abidjan so we can continue this fight together.”
Senior members of Thiam’s Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI) were allowed into the electoral commission’s offices, where they formally demanded the reinstatement of Thiam and all disqualified opposition candidates. “We strongly denounce the arbitrary and unfair removal of Thiam and other key opposition leaders from the electoral list,” PDCI’s Executive Secretary, Sylvestre Emmou, said afterwards.
The controversy reflects growing discontent in Ivory Coast in the lead-up to its presidential election, scheduled for October 25. Tensions are not just about Thiam’s disqualification — there’s growing concern President Alassane Ouattara may pursue another term in office. Ouattara, who first came to power in 2011 and is currently serving his third term, maintains that the two-term limit doesn’t apply due to the new constitution implemented in 2016. His 2020 reelection was already a flashpoint — many opposition parties chose to boycott — and there’s growing nervousness about a repeat of the violence that followed the 2010 vote, when more than 3,000 lives were lost.
With the ruling party expected to hold a congress later this month, where President Ouattara could announce his candidacy, pressure is mounting from both within and outside Ivory Coast for a credible, peaceful, and truly democratic electoral process.
