Cote d'Ivoire: Côte d'Ivoire Judge Rules Main Opponent Out of Presidential Election

Tensions are rising in Côte d'Ivoire. A court ruled that opposition candidate Tidjane Thiam cannot run in the presidential election. The ruling states he lost his Ivorian nationality when he became a French citizen.

An Abidjan court removed Thiam from the electoral list on Tuesday. This decision came just days after the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI) nominated him as their candidate for the October 25 election. The court's ruling is final and cannot be appealed.

Thiam's lawyers argued that he was born with dual nationality. They claimed this means the Nationality Code does not apply to him. They presented administrative documents to support their argument.

Rodrigue Dadjé, one of Thiam's lawyers, said they respect the judge's decision but disagree with it. Around 100 PDCI supporters gathered outside the court, singing the national anthem and chanting "Titi for president," referring to Thiam by his nickname.

In a social media statement, Thiam expressed his frustration. He said, "The government has eliminated its most serious rival through unfair legal reasoning." He added that this situation is not normal for Côte d'Ivoire.

Thiam emphasized that the PDCI stands united behind him. He stated, "There will be no Plan B or Plan C." He wants to represent the party in a transparent and democratic manner during the election.

Thiam remains determined to run for president. He declared, "It's me or no one." He plans to take his case to Ecowas, a West African regional bloc.

Geoffroy-Julien Kouao, an Ivorian political scientist, criticized Thiam's removal from the election. He believes it compromises the upcoming presidential election on October 25.

Kouao noted that key opponents like Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé are also absent from the electoral list. He hopes PDCI will find another candidate if Thiam cannot run.

Thiam’s camp views this ruling as a government maneuver against credible opposition candidates. However, Communications Minister Amadou Coulibaly rejected these claims.

He stated that they are building a state governed by law and respect for regulations. The final electoral list for Côte d'Ivoire’s elections will be published on June 20.

In response to this situation, PDCI announced it would suspend parliamentary activities in protest. The party called on supporters to mobilize outside courts on Thursday when Thiam defends himself against another complaint.