Ivory Coast's flags are pictured next to the presidential palace during the ceremony to commemorate the country's 60th Independence Day, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast August 7, 2020. REUTERS/Luc Gnago
The Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) officially kicked off its campaign for the upcoming presidential election in Ivory Coast on October 12, 2025, with a large-scale rally at the Angré stadium in Abidjan.
The event, aimed at securing a fourth term for President Alassane Ouattara, was a vibrant display of unity and resolve among the ruling party’s supporters.
The launch, which took place just a day after a major rally in Daloa, was attended by key party figures, including Cissé Bacongo, the Minister-Governor of Abidjan.
Bacongo, addressing a crowd of activists and supporters, energized the audience with a clear message of determination and optimism, urging them to unite behind Ouattara’s candidacy.
He encouraged the crowd to reach out to opposition members, saying: “Go tell the young people of the PDCI and the PPA-CI that Alassane Ouattara has a solution for everyone.”
Bacongo’s speech was focused on the accomplishments of the Ouattara administration, emphasizing the country’s transformation since his rise to power.
He pointed to improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and electrification, stating: “Côte d’Ivoire has completely changed its face.
Whether it’s schools, electrification, health, universities, roads… Everything has changed in our country.”
The message from the RHDP’s executive secretary resonated with the crowd, as he spoke directly to the challenges and aspirations of ordinary Ivorians. He reassured them that Ouattara had agreed to run for a fourth term in response to widespread calls from diverse sectors of society, including youth, women, civil servants, and farmers.
The campaign’s tone also reflected a commitment to addressing the nation’s core issues.
Bacongo challenged critics of Ouattara’s extended tenure, refocusing the debate on the needs of the people: “We want more roads.
We want lots of schools and hospitals.
We want lots of universities.” He urged his supporters to spread a message of love and brotherhood, reaching out to members of opposition parties, including the PDCI, PPA-CI, and FPI, to join the movement for national unity.
The event also featured praise for the leadership of the RHDP, with prominent campaign figures, including Issouf Doumbia, the spokesperson for the campaign directors, and Eric Taba, the head of protocol for the Ouattara campaign, calling for a strong turnout in the October 25 election.
“We need a resounding victory in the first round,” Taba stated, underscoring the importance of securing a decisive mandate.
As Ivory Coast approaches the presidential election, the stakes are high. Alongside Ouattara, four other candidates are vying for the presidency: Simone Ehivet, Ahoua Don-Mello, Jean-Louis Billon, and Henriette Lagou.
Voters will go to the polls on Saturday, October 25, to decide who will lead the nation forward in what is expected to be a highly contested race.
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