Thousands of Ivorians have taken to the streets across the country to reject their 83-year-old President, Alassane Ouattara’s, reported bid for a controversial fourth term in office.
The West African nation, the largest economy in francophone Africa, is set to hold its presidential election in October.
However, the electoral commission has reportedly barred four major opposition candidates including former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam from contesting.
Protesters gathered in Yopougon, a bustling suburb of the capital Abidjan, waving placards reading:
“Enough is enough!”, “No true democracy without true justice,” and “We are millions saying YES to Gbagbo and Thiam.”
The two opposition heavyweights had earlier formed an alliance to challenge incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, who last month announced his bid for a controversial fourth term.
The 83-year-old leader, who removed presidential term limits through a 2016 constitutional amendment, faces growing criticism over his continued stay in power.
“We don’t want a fourth term, and we want the electoral roll revised,” one of the marchers, activist Sagesse Divine said. “We want all candidates included and to go to the polls in peace, that’s all we’re asking.”
As of press time, there was no response from Ivorian authorities regarding the protests.
Meanwhile, President Ouattara has defended his decision, arguing that Ivory Coast faces “unprecedented security, economic, and monetary challenges” that require his experienced leadership.
