Ivory Coast’s Constitutional Council has cleared former First Lady Simone Gbagbo, to stand in the upcoming presidential election, making her one of only five approved candidates for the October 25 vote.
Once nicknamed “The Iron Lady”, Simone Gbagbo’s candidacy carries heavy symbolism. She will face off against incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, who has already served three terms in power.
Her inclusion is striking as Simone is the ex-wife of former president Laurent Gbagbo, who was ousted after a bloody post-election conflict in 2010 and is barred from running because of a past criminal conviction. Instead,
The council disqualified several high-profile contenders, including former Prime Minister Pascal Affi N’Guessan and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam. Their exclusion has raised alarm over the credibility of the poll, with Thiam denouncing the decision as politically motivated.
For many, her approval highlights the growing visibility of women in Ivorian politics, where only 30% of parliamentarians are female. Analysts say she now represents the most serious female presidential contender in the country’s history.
