The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Côte d’Ivoire has confirmed receiving 60 applications for the upcoming presidential election.
Among the high-profile contenders are incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, former President Laurent Gbagbo, his former wife Simone Ehivet, and Tidjane Thiam, former CEO of Crédit Suisse.
Former Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, currently in exile, was unable to submit his candidacy after being struck off the electoral roll, while Charles Blé Goudé, convicted for his role in the 2010–2011 post-election crisis, also remains ineligible.
Opposition parties have already criticized Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term, labeling it unconstitutional.
To qualify, each aspirant must pay a deposit of 50 million CFA francs and secure citizen sponsorship to prove national support, a requirement that could disqualify several applicants.
The IEC will transmit all submitted files to the Constitutional Council within 72 hours of the application deadline for final validation.
