The Constitutional Council of Côte d’Ivoire has clarified that only presidential candidates and the political parties or groups sponsoring them are permitted to submit complaints regarding the provisional list of candidates for the October 25 election.
The announcement was made on Friday, 29 August 2025, in line with Article 56 of the Electoral Code.
The reminder follows the publication of 60 application files submitted for the upcoming election. Candidates and their sponsors have a 72-hour window, starting from 6 p.m. on Friday, 29 August, to Monday, 1 September at 6 p.m., to submit any objections.
Complaints must be submitted in ten original copies to the General Secretariat of the Constitutional Council in Abidjan Plateau, the press release stated.
The council stressed that after this deadline, no further complaints will be admissible. It will then commence deliberations on the registered files to finalise the list of candidates authorised to contest the election.
According to the electoral code, the final list must be published at least 45 days before the first round of voting, meaning no later than 10 September 2025.
“The Constitutional Council reminds all actors that only candidates and their political sponsors are entitled to lodge an appeal in this electoral procedure,” the press release emphasised.
This statement seeks to prevent outside parties from attempting to influence the candidate selection process and ensures compliance with the legal framework governing the election.
Electoral observers note that this procedural clarity comes at a crucial moment in Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential race, which features a diverse mix of historic political figures, civil society leaders, and independent candidates.
The council’s strict interpretation of Article 56 underscores its role in maintaining the integrity and legality of the electoral process.
With the objection period now underway, attention is expected to focus on potential disputes over eligibility and the composition of the final candidate list, particularly involving high-profile figures whose candidacies have attracted legal and political scrutiny.
The final publication on 10 September will set the stage for the official campaign period ahead of the October election.
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