“Current events in Côte d’Ivoire: Laurent Gbagbo expresses his position on the municipal and regional elections”
In a recent press conference held in Côte d’Ivoire, opponent Laurent Gbagbo addressed various topical issues, including the economy, domestic politics and the coup in Niger. On this occasion, he also gave his point of view on the municipal and regional elections which will be held on September 2.
The former president first wanted to pay tribute to former president Henri Konan Bédié by observing a minute of silence. He then encouraged his supporters to mobilize for the upcoming local elections, saying his role was to lead his party to power and not to reorganize the Ivorian opposition.
Laurent Gbagbo acknowledged the risk of electoral fraud, but announced that his party would never again boycott the polls, even in the event of irregularities. He pointed out that the decision to boycott the elections after his arrest had caused a lot of damage and that it would not happen again. Thus, his party will denounce the frauds, but will continue to participate in the elections.
For the upcoming elections, Laurent Gbagbo’s party has formed alliances with the PDCI-RDA in several localities. Despite possible differences, the former president stressed the importance of maintaining the principle of this rapprochement, saying that the two parties will discuss after the funeral to take stock and continue their collaboration.
Regarding his own situation, Laurent Gbagbo has been removed from the electoral list since 2020 due to a conviction by the Ivorian justice. He intends to relaunch his file after the local elections. Although he does not rule out the possibility of running for president in 2025 if his party asks him to, he has made it clear that becoming president is no longer an obsession for him.
This declaration by Laurent Gbagbo marks a turning point in his political career, illustrating his desire to participate actively in the electoral process and to engage in the political life of Côte d’Ivoire, while putting aside his personal ambition.
In conclusion, Laurent Gbagbo’s intervention during his press conference provoked reactions and comments in Côte d’Ivoire. His message demonstrates his desire to play an important political role in the country by fully participating in local elections and collaborating with other political parties