Ivory Coast opposition parties form coalition ahead of presidential poll

|Published 12:58 PM ET, Tuesday March 11, 2025|

​Yamoussoukro: In a strategic move ahead of the October 2025 presidential election, numerous opposition parties in Ivory Coast have united to form the Coalition for a Peaceful Alternation. This alliance aims to advocate for electoral reforms and establish a counterbalance to the longstanding dominance of the ruling party. ​

Prominent members of this coalition include the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), the nation’s oldest political party; the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC), led by former First Lady Simone Gbagbo; and Charles Blé Goudé’s Young Patriots of Ivory Coast (COJEP). Notably, the party of former President Laurent Gbagbo has not joined this coalition, leading to concerns about potential vote fragmentation among opposition factions, which could inadvertently benefit the ruling party. ​

Political analysts suggest that if the coalition can propel the election to a second round, there exists a possibility of consolidating opposition votes, thereby challenging the ruling party’s grip on power. However, the absence of Gbagbo’s faction underscores the challenges of achieving a fully unified opposition front.

In a related development, former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam has been elected leader of the PDCI. His leadership introduces a fresh dynamic to the political landscape, especially considering his international experience and recent return to Ivorian politics. ​

The formation of this coalition signifies a pivotal moment in Ivorian politics, reflecting a concerted effort by opposition parties to present a formidable challenge to the ruling party in the forthcoming elections.

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