The Constitutional Council of Ivory Coast has released the provisional list of candidates for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for 25 October 2025. The announcement, made on Friday 29 August, marks a crucial step in the country’s electoral process.
Candidacy submissions were open from 1 July to 26 August 2025 and received by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), which then forwarded them to the Constitutional Council within 72 hours of the deadline.
Among the prominent figures on the list are incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, former President Laurent Gbagbo, former First Lady Simone Ehivet, and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam. Both Mr Gbagbo and Mr Thiam, despite being removed from the electoral register, were nominated by their respective parties, sparking debate over their eligibility.
The opposition has described President Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term as “unconstitutional,” further fuelling the already tense political climate.
Citizens and political actors have until 1 September 2025 to submit objections regarding the provisional list. The Constitutional Council, which oversees presidential and parliamentary elections in Ivory Coast, will review any challenges before publishing the final list.
The provisional list includes a wide range of contenders, both independents and representatives of various political parties. Among them are Mohamed Kouakou N’Da, Pascal Affi N’Guessan (FPI), Jean-Louis Billon (CODE), Guillaume Guei (LRN), and Kevin Fieni Koffi. The full list features more than 60 candidates, reflecting a highly competitive and diverse race.
As the election approaches, Ivory Coast faces pressing questions over democratic legitimacy, political transition, and stability. With several high-profile candidates in the running and legal disputes already looming, the 2025 presidential race is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in the nation’s recent history.
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