Title: The race for the presidency of the PDCI: towards a consensus within the opposition party
Introduction:
At the PDCI, preparations for the 8th Extraordinary Congress on December 16 are taking shape. With the establishment of structures such as the organizing committee, the electoral committee and the conciliation and consensus-seeking college, the opposition party engages in a democratic process to appoint its new president. However, the question of consensus and candidacies is sparking debate among activists, particularly in view of the 2025 presidential election.
The college of conciliation and consensus-seeking:
Created under the supervision of the interim president, Professor Philippe Cowppli-Bony, the conciliation college aims to preserve the unity of the party and to discuss sensitive subjects with each candidate. This approach is crucial to avoid internal divisions and guarantee a harmonious transition to the new presidency of the PDCI.
Potential candidates and current debates:
To date, four personalities have been announced to run for the presidency of the PDCI: Maurice Kakou Guikahué, the current executive secretary of the party; Noël Akossi Bendjo, one of the vice-presidents; Jean-Marc Yacé, the mayor of Cocody; and Tidjane Thiam, who generates a lot of enthusiasm despite his 22-year absence from the country.
However, the crucial question that animates activists is whether the future president of the PDCI will also be the party’s candidate for the 2025 presidential election. Some believe that it is essential to prepare now a distinct figure for this deadline, while others argue that there is not enough time for such preparation and that it would be better to have a common candidate now.
Potential barriers to applications:
Among the potential candidates, two of them face ongoing legal cases. Some members of the political bureau question the consequences of these affairs on the presidency of the party and wonder whether it is wise to allow their candidacy. This question raises internal debates about the credibility and stability of the party.
In addition, critical voices are being heard towards Tidjane Thiam, due to his regular absence from the party’s political office for ten years. Even if he arouses great enthusiasm, some activists question his real commitment to the PDCI.
The search for consensus within the candidate selection panel:
In the event of non-consensus among the candidates, the selection committee for applications will be responsible for deciding on the validity of each file. This decision will be crucial to avoid any internal division and guarantee a smooth transition to the new party presidency.
Conclusion:
The PDCI is engaging in a democratic process to appoint its new president during the 8th Extraordinary Congress. The search for consensus within the party is essential to preserve unity and credibility. Debates around candidacies and preparation for the 2025 presidential election are fueling discussions among activists. The candidate selection panel will play a key role in finding a balanced and harmonious solution for the future of the PDCI.