Thousands of Ivorians protested across the nation on August 9, 2025, particularly in Abidjan, against the disqualification of key opposition figures from the upcoming October 25, 2025 presidential election. The African People's Party of Ivory Coast (PPA-CI), led by Laurent Gbagbo, and the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), headed by Tidjane Thiam, are spearheading the demonstrations. These protests highlight significant concerns regarding the fairness and inclusivity of the electoral process. President Alassane Ouattara, who declared his bid for a fourth term on July 29, 2025, faces a consolidated opposition challenge.
Prominent opposition leaders, including Gbagbo, Thiam, Charles Blé Goudé, and Guillaume Soro, have been disqualified due to legal issues and past convictions or restrictions. Thiam's disqualification stems from allegations of past dual French citizenship, which is prohibited for presidential candidates under Ivorian law, despite his renunciation. Gbagbo, Blé Goudé, and Soro face disqualification based on prior legal convictions or restrictions related to earlier political conflicts. Academics such as Paul Collier, Francis Fukuyama, and Dani Rodrik have expressed concerns that Thiam's exclusion could undermine democratic principles and potentially reintroduce instability into Ivory Coast, a country with a history of election-related violence. The opposition is calling for immediate political dialogue and the reinstatement of their leaders, asserting that a fair election requires the participation of all major candidates. The international community has also emphasized the necessity of a transparent and inclusive election for the nation's democratic stability, noting parallels with regional trends of leaders extending terms through constitutional changes at the expense of opposition voices. While the exclusion of major opposition figures positions President Ouattara as the clear frontrunner, the widespread protests signal growing discontent and a demand for a more open political environment. The upcoming election is viewed as a critical juncture for Ivory Coast's democratic trajectory, with hopes for a peaceful resolution that respects the popular will and upholds democratic values.