In Côte d’Ivoire, the year 2025 is already shaping up to be a crucial electoral period, with the presidential election on the horizon. While New Year’s wishes have been made by various political figures, both from the government and the opposition, the country seems to be preparing for a decisive moment for its democratic future.
Among the opposition figures who spoke, the importance of the presidential election next October is at the center of the speeches. Expectations are clear: a fair, credible, peaceful, transparent and inclusive election. The various political leaders emphasize the need to guarantee an irreproachable electoral process to consolidate democracy in Côte d’Ivoire.
Tidjane Thiam, leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire-Democratic Rally, affirmed his desire to do politics differently, by addressing “republican wishes” and emphasizing the importance of governing for the entire Ivorian population, without a spirit of revenge.
Simone Ehivet, from the Mouvement des Générations Capables, welcomed the peaceful elections observed in Senegal and Ghana, stressing that exemplary polls are possible in Africa. She also congratulated Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the first woman elected president of Namibia, highlighting the strong message sent by the Namibian people.
For his part, Pascal Affi Nguessan, head of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), hopes that the presidential election will be a confrontation based on the projects and records of the different candidates, advocating a fair and constructive political debate.
Finally, the silence of the African Peoples Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) regarding the wishes for 2025 suggests an imminent reaction following Alassane Ouattara’s end-of-year speech. A palpable expectation is emerging as to the party’s future position in this charged political context.
This diversity of discourse and expectations within the Ivorian opposition underlines the importance of the upcoming presidential election, which promises to be a key moment for the country’s political life. The stakes are high, and it will be up to each political actor to contribute to an exemplary and inclusive electoral process for the good of Côte d’Ivoire and its democracy under construction. All eyes are on October 2025, a deadline that promises to be decisive for the country’s future.