### Vincent toh bi irié and the emergence of independent applications in Côte d’Ivoire: an alternative to consider?
One year before the presidential election in October 2025, the announcement of the candidacy of Vincent Toh Bi Irié, a former prefect of Abidjan, highlights an interesting political phenomenon in Côte d’Ivoire: the emergence of independent candidacies. Former senior official, toh bi irié, through its new dawn citizen platform, seems to embody a response to the growing expectations of part of the population for a renewal of the political class.
### A dynamic of change?
Vincent Toh Bi irié, by choosing to present himself as an independent, highlights a desire to break with a system which he deems too partitioned and reserved for an elite. Depending on his words, it is crucial to open the political landscape to all citizens, in order to largely involve the population in the decisions that concern them. This discourse resonates particularly in a country where distrust of traditional political parties is palpable.
The political scientist Geoffroy-Julien Kouao notes that this approach could respond to practical and immediate concerns of Ivorians, stressing that these new candidates seek to tackle local issues rather than getting lost in partisan conflicts. This approach could promote inclusive dialogue on crucial issues such as education, health or economic development.
### The challenges of the independent candidacy
Despite this positive momentum, the road to a viable candidacy is strewn with pitfalls. The electoral process requires that the candidates collect sufficient citizen sponsorships and pay a deposit of 50 million CFA francs, a sum which represents a major obstacle for many. This sponsorship system raises important questions about access to politics.
The risk here is that only people with notable financial resources, or those who benefit from a solid network, are able to cross these steps. This could ultimately thwart the very objective of promoting a broader representation of the population within decision -making bodies.
### A response to societal expectations?
The emergence of candidates like Toh Bi irié can also be perceived as the fruit of an unsatisfied need for reforms, echoing wider aspirations for a change. Indeed, the country has crossed many political crises, and the consequences of past tensions continue to affect social cohesion.
At the same time, the growing role of social networks in political communication offers a powerful tool for these independent applications. By integrating these platforms, toh bi irié and others like him can mobilize a wider audience, exchange ideas and articulate their projects without the traditional filters of conventional media.
### to a new political landscape?
The candidacy of Vincent Toh Bi Irié and that of other individuals in a similar approach could be indicators of an emerging change in the Ivorian political landscape. Citizens show a desire to get involved, claim their say and aspire to a governance that listens to the real concerns of everyday life.
However, it remains to be seen if this dynamic will result in concrete results in the next elections. A reflection must be made on how to assist these new voices while guaranteeing a fair and accessible electoral process accessible to all.
Ultimately, the 2025 presidential election will undoubtedly be a turning point for Côte d’Ivoire. For independent applications, the task will be to prove that they can really occupy a place on the political spectrum, while meeting the expectations of an electorate wishing to change. While the country is preparing for this crucial deadline, dialogue around political engagement, democratic practices and inclusion will be essential to build a harmonious future.