Ivory Coast’s press on Thursday turned its spotlight to the aftermath of candidacy submissions for the highly anticipated October 2025 presidential election, with 60 applications now awaiting scrutiny.
Le Matin reported that the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) has 72 hours to forward the files to the Constitutional Council, which will then have 15 days to make its decision.
The newspaper noted that figures such as Laurent Gbagbo and Tidiane Thiam are already excluded from the race, as they are neither registered voters nor eligible candidates.
Fraternité Matin focused on the candidates’ anticipation as the Constitutional Council prepares its verdict, while also touching upon preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, highlighting coach Emerse Faé’s plans for a formidable team against Burundi and Gabon.
The Mandate discussed the “Plan B” strategies forming within the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) and the African Peoples’ Party-Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) following the close of submissions. The paper referenced an imminent meeting at the PDCI headquarters, with figures like Billon and Don Melo in the wings. It also reported on the Connect Côte d’Ivoire forum, where Prime Minister Beugré Mambé stated, “culture is the soul of the nation and a source of collective pride.”
Générations Nouvelles described the transfer of candidacy files as passing “a hot potato” to the Constitutional Council, while sharply criticizing President Alassane Ouattara’s record on debt, corruption, and poverty. The paper even suggested making October 25 a “national holiday in his honor.” It also confirmed the PDCI’s backing of Tidiane Thiam.
Le Patriote identified Ouattara as the front-runner, though it noted Gbagbo and Thiam remain significant challengers despite the UN rejecting Gbagbo’s inclusion on the electoral roll. Similarly, L’Essor dismissed opposition hopes, asserting, “Gbagbo and Thiam’s dream will end on September 10.”
Other publications, including L’Expression, L’Avenir, Inter, and Le Nouveau Réveil, highlighted tensions, institutional criticisms, and lobbying efforts. Le Sursaut focused on Gbagbo’s political impasse, while La Voix Originale warned that “Ouattara and his clan are playing with fire in Côte d’Ivoire.”
As the Constitutional Council prepares its ruling, the nation remains on edge, with rival camps mobilizing their bases and the media landscape intensifying the race’s already heated atmosphere.
About The Author
