### PDCI: Unit and resilience as the presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire approaches
While Côte d’Ivoire is preparing for presidential elections scheduled for October 25, the political climate is particularly busy, marked by the recent radiation from Tidjane Thiam, president of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), of the electoral list. This reversal led the members of the PDCI to reconsider their strategy and to come together to assert their support for a leader whose ineligibility raises deep questions about the future leadership of the party.
The gathering of June 7, 2025, at the headquarters of the PDCI in Cocody, testifies to a clear effort to display unity and cohesion within a historically influential party in Côte d’Ivoire. The atmosphere, described as galvanizing by our correspondent in Abidjan, Benoît Almeras, reflects a collective determination – that of supporting Tidjane Thiam as a single candidate, despite the legal complexities that surround his situation.
### A call to unity
The deputy Soumaila Brédoumy, at the head of this mobilization, hammered the importance of the unity behind Thiam. He stressed that, although there is no envisage of other candidates, the priority remains to “look for someone to win”, a vision shared by many activists present. However, this position raises questions on the relevance of maintaining a leader in a precarious position for a decisive election. In a political context where the challenges are multiple, the absence of a viable alternative could limit the capacity of the PDCI to mobilize an increasingly demanding electorate.
### The challenges of the electoral list
The electoral commission said that it would be impossible to revise the electoral list before the presidential election, a situation which frustrates not only the PDCI, but also other opposition parties. The complaint of the latter, concerning the need for an inclusive and democratic election, leads to a dilemma: how to make the electoral process more transparent while respecting the legal and operational constraints in progress?
The request for an audit of the electoral list, put forward by the opposition spokesperson, deserves special attention. This raises questions about the efficiency and integrity of the electoral process in Côte d’Ivoire, a country whose recent history has been marked by political tensions and violence linked to disputed elections.
### Communication and mobilization
In parallel with these internal events, Tidjane Thiam continues to maintain an active media presence. His video recently published from Jerusalem testifies to a desire to prove his availability and his commitment, despite administrative obstacles. This communication strategy could be crucial to maintain the morale of the troops and reassure potential voters.
Soumaïla Brédoumy announced a national march to claim Thiam’s return to the electoral list, an initiative that illustrates the determination of the PDCI to firmly oppose what they consider an injustice. However, such an intensification of mobilization should not obscure the need for long -term strategies to reconstruct confidence among voters.
### Reflections and perspectives
As the presidential election approaches, the PDCI is at a delicate crossroads. The strategic choices made in the coming weeks will have a significant impact on the future of the party and the national political dynamics. It is imperative that the management of the PDCI thinks deeply of the way it can navigate in this muddled landscape while respecting the aspirations of the militant base and the requirement of transparency that emanates from civil society.
In this context, the voice of the opposition, although fractured by internal rivalries, could benefit from a shared strategy not only centered on the figure of a leader, but also on the establishment of inclusive governance which meets the real needs of citizens. It is only by cultivating an open dialogue and looking for solutions that resonate with the hope and expectations of Ivorians that we may overcome the tensions that anesthetize the democratic process of the country.
The quest for free and just elections requires a collective will, both on the part of the opposition parties and institutions in place, and it is only by working together that Côte d’Ivoire can hope to appease tensions and engage in a more serene political future.