The Constitutional Council of Ivory Coast released the provisional list of candidates for the October 25, 2025 presidential election on Friday, August 29, marking a critical milestone in the country’s electoral calendar.
Sixty names appear on the list, encompassing veteran politicians, civil society figures, and a significant number of independent entrants.
Outgoing President Alassane Ouattara, 83, is seeking another term under the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP).
His long-time rival, former President Laurent Gbagbo, 80, also appears on the list, nominated by the African Peoples’ Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI). The list features other prominent political figures, including:
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Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, former First Lady and leader of the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC).
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Pascal Affi N’Guessan, head of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI).
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Tidjane Thiam, president of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA), undertaking his party’s first major electoral test.
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Jean-Louis Billon, businessman and former minister, representing the Democratic Congress (CODE).
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Vincent Toh-Bi Irié, a former prefect running as an independent.
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Assalé Tiémoko Antoine, MP noted for his anti-corruption efforts.
The eligibility of Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam has sparked legal debate, as both were removed from the electoral roll in previous court rulings. Some experts cite Article 48 of the Electoral Code, which requires candidates to be registered voters, while supporters argue that the Constitution does not impose this restriction. The Constitutional Council is expected to deliver a verdict by September 10, alongside the finalised candidate list.
Independents and younger candidates make up more than half of the provisional list, reflecting a growing trend toward political renewal. Notable names include N’Da Kouakou Mohamed Bertin, Athacou Konan Jean Rémy, and Soumahoro Mamadou. The list also includes several women candidates, such as Henriette Lagou, Daourou Zoh Andrée Jocelyne, Koffi Adjoua Pauline Epse Papoin, Touré Adissa, and Gbèguehi Félicité Bagré.
Under Article 56 of the Electoral Code, candidates and parties have until Monday, September 1 at 6 p.m. to submit complaints to the General Secretariat of the Constitutional Council. After this period, the institution will deliberate to finalise the list.
The provisional roster illustrates both the vitality and fragmentation of Ivory Coast’s political landscape. The decisive question remains which of the 60 contenders will ultimately be authorised to contest the presidency, with the presence of Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam at the centre of national attention.
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