(Africanews) – The recently published provisional electoral list for Côte d’Ivoire’s 2025 presidential election has triggered intense debate and protests, particularly over the exclusion of two prominent political figures—Charles Blé Goudé and former President Laurent Gbagbo.
Both men were previously convicted for their roles in the 2010-2011 post-election crisis, with Blé Goudé sentenced to 20 years in prison. However, after receiving amnesty from international justice, their exclusion from the electoral list has drawn sharp criticism. The Youth and People’s Congress (COJEP) has strongly condemned the decision, calling it a direct threat to democracy and demanding the reinstatement of their leader, Blé Goudé, to ensure a fair electoral process.
Me Serge Ouraga, COJEP Spokesperson:
“It’s not just a candidacy that is being blocked; it’s the people’s right to freely choose their leaders that is being confiscated. An election that excludes is an election that divides, and a divided election is a threat to peace. We call for the restoration of President Charles Blé Goudé’s rights and his reinstatement on the electoral list so that he can participate in the 2025 election.”
Blé Goudé, a former Minister of Youth under Gbagbo’s administration, was removed from the electoral list by the electoral commission on March 17. He has denounced the decision as politically motivated. After being acquitted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), he returned to Côte d’Ivoire between 2021 and 2022.
The exclusion of both Blé Goudé and Gbagbo has intensified political tensions as the 2025 elections approach. Supporters from COJEP and the Popular African Congress for the Ivorian People (PPA-CI) have criticized the move as undemocratic and are demanding their leaders’ reinstatement.
Sébastien Djédjé Dano, PPA-CI Executive Director:
“We, the PPA-CI, will fight to ensure that Laurent Gbagbo can run in the presidential election and win. That is our mission. In this mission, we want peace—peaceful elections. We want fair, democratic, inclusive, and calm elections.”
The PPA-CI has vowed to explore all legal avenues under the Constitution while also protesting the failure to implement a ruling by the African Court of Justice, which ordered Gbagbo’s reinstatement on the electoral list.
In response to the controversy, authorities have announced a 15-day dispute period beginning on March 22. During this time, claims regarding omissions, voter removals, and errors on the list can be filed. The final electoral list is scheduled for publication by June 20, 2025.
As tensions rise, both COJEP and PPA-CI are urging their supporters to participate actively in this crucial review period, which could significantly impact the presidential election set for October 25, 2025.
