Ivory Coast’s Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) has officially closed the submission period for presidential candidacies, forwarding 60 applications to the Constitutional Council for approval.
The announcement comes amid concerns over security, following the discovery of war equipment in Arrah.
The CEI ended the submission session on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, marking a critical stage in the lead-up to the presidential election.
According to official guidelines, the commission has 72 hours to transfer applications to the Constitutional Council, which then has 15 days to review and validate the candidacies.
Among the candidates attracting significant attention are former President Laurent Gbagbo and former finance minister Tidjane Thiam.
Their applications have heightened political debate and raised expectations of a closely watched electoral process.
Local media described the CEI’s transfer of applications as passing “a hot potato” to the Constitutional Council, reflecting the sensitivity and importance of the review process.
The council’s decision will ultimately determine which candidates will appear on the ballot, shaping the political landscape in the months ahead.
Security concerns have compounded the electoral climate.
The recent discovery of war equipment in the Arrah region has heightened fears of potential unrest, underscoring the challenges authorities face in ensuring a safe and transparent election. Officials are reportedly increasing monitoring and security measures in response.
Observers note that the combination of high-profile candidacies and tense security conditions presents a complex environment for Ivory Coast’s democratic process.
Analysts emphasise the importance of impartial oversight, transparent decision-making, and robust safety protocols to maintain public confidence in the election.
As the Constitutional Council prepares to review the applications, attention now turns to both the validation of candidacies and the government’s ability to maintain stability.
The coming weeks are expected to be decisive for Ivory Coast’s political future, with citizens closely watching how institutions navigate the twin challenges of political competition and security.
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