### The PDCI and the designation of his presidential candidate: issues and reflections
On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) will meet in convention to designate its candidate for the presidential election scheduled for October 25, 2025. On this occasion, all eyes will be riveted on Tidjane Thiam, the current president of the PDCI, who, despite his absence from the national territory, remains the indisputable choice of the party. This situation raises multiple questions about the internal dynamics of the PDCI, the Ivorian political context and the perception of democratic legitimacy in this process.
#### Potting within a troubled context
Nearly 6,000 members of the PDCI base are invited to rule during this ballot, which will be organized in 45 sites across the country, as well as in six other places for Ivorians in the diaspora. This large voting framework testifies to a desire for inclusion and a promotion of militant participation. However, an observer has already noted the risk of a plebiscite, suggesting that the majority presence of Tidjane Thiam within the party’s decision -making bodies could reduce competition to a simple act of formality.
This agreement refers to particular attention, because it is part of a complex context. Tidjane Thiam faces doubts about her legitimacy at the head of the party, aggravated by current legal actions. The implications of such uncertainty will undoubtedly weigh on the decisions of voters, in particular those who wonder about the continuity and credibility of their choice.
#### A question of abstention
“Our opponent is abstention,” said one of the organizers of the Convention. This sentence deserves to dwell on it. Electoral abstention can be perceived as the symptom of wider discomfort. In many democracies, a low participation rate is often synonymous with disenchantment vis-à-vis institutions. As part of this agreement, it would be interesting to wonder what measures could be put in place to encourage a stronger commitment to activists. What are the reasons that might push members to abstain? Is it a desire to see concrete alternatives, rather than a choice of loyalty to an established figure?
#### The implications of a unique candidacy
The candidacy of Tidjane Thiam, although approved by the governing bodies of the PDCI, poses a dilemma on the future of the party. To what extent can such a traced path really reflect expectations and aspirations of the militant base? Could the dynamics of power within the PDCI generate deep fractures, if dissident voices are not heard or integrated into the process?
By taking example from other political parties in Côte d’Ivoire and in the region, the question of internal competition can sometimes be a key factor in political regeneration. The lack of a challenge for the candidacy may seem reassuring in the short term, but can also harm the long -term democratic vitality. It is relevant to reflect on how the PDCI could encourage rebalancing to prepare the future generation of leaders, thus promoting a more robust political culture.
### Legitimacy into play
Finally, all these elements lead us to question the notion of legitimacy in political leadership. Tidjane Thiam represents not only an emblematic figure of the PDCI, but also the image of the party on the Ivorian political scene. The challenges of his candidacy go far beyond the simple vote of April 16. They carry an interesting radiance on the relationship between the commitment of activists and the broader perception of democracy in Côte d’Ivoire.
It is essential to keep in mind that each decision made to this convention will have repercussions far beyond this punctual event. In this sense, the PDCI has an opportunity to initiate a constructive dialogue with its members to ensure that everyone feels listened to and represented. This could strengthen so desired legitimacy, while laying the basics of a more constructive adversity for upcoming elections.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, the PDCI is going through a critical moment which could define not only its future, but also the political landscape of Côte d’Ivoire. While Tidjane Thiam is preparing to consolidate his status as a candidate, it is fundamental that the party remains attentive to the voice of its members and the implications of such a decision. The processing process should not only be seen as a simple formality, but as a real opportunity for dialogue and strengthening democracy within the PDCI and beyond.