As Ivory Coast prepares for its pivotal 2025 presidential election scheduled for 25 October, a newly-formed opposition alliance, the Coalition for Peaceful Change in Côte d’Ivoire (CAP-CI), is calling for sweeping electoral reforms to ensure fairness, transparency, and national unity during the democratic process.
The CAP-CI, established in March 2025, brings together a range of opposition parties and civil society actors. Its demands center on the revision of voter rolls, increased transparency through the publication of election results by polling station, and the restructuring of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), which the group accuses of partisan bias.
CAP-CI Calls for “Inclusive Political Dialogue”
In a press statement issued on Monday, CAP-CI emphasized the need for “genuine political dialogue” among all stakeholders. Coalition leaders argue that the credibility of the October election hinges on whether critical electoral processes are reformed in time.
“We believe that a transparent and inclusive electoral process is essential to peace and democracy in Ivory Coast,” the coalition stated. “Without it, the risk of unrest increases.”
The group also criticized the CEI’s management of the electoral process, claiming it lacks impartiality and disproportionately favors the ruling party. CAP-CI has urged the CEI to address allegations of voter disenfranchisement and adopt stronger oversight mechanisms.
Electoral List Controversy Sparks Political Tensions
A central point of contention for CAP-CI is the removal of several prominent opposition figures from the provisional electoral list, including the coalition’s own coordinator, Tidjane Thiam, a former international banker and respected statesman.
Thiam’s disqualification was the result of an April 2025 court decision that controversially ruled he had lost his Ivorian nationality in 2022, rendering him ineligible to run for office. The ruling sparked backlash from opposition leaders, who labeled the decision as “politically motivated.”
“The move to strike Tidjane Thiam from the list is a direct attack on political pluralism and a free democratic choice,” said a CAP-CI spokesperson. “Our democracy cannot function when qualified candidates are silenced through legal technicalities.”
Other key opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé, have also been barred from contesting due to past judicial convictions. However, Gbagbo’s own political platform is not part of the CAP-CI alliance, despite his historic prominence in Ivorian politics.
Official Electoral List to Be Finalized in June
According to the national electoral calendar, the final electoral list of eligible presidential candidates is expected to be published on 20 June 2025. CAP-CI has demanded that this list be thoroughly scrutinized to ensure it represents a fair cross-section of the political spectrum.
The coalition fears that continued exclusions could compromise voter confidence and incite civil unrest, particularly in areas where opposition support is strong.
CAP-CI’s First National Meeting Set for 31 May
As it gains political traction, CAP-CI has also announced it will host its first national assembly on 31 May, where it plans to formalize its agenda, discuss strategy, and consolidate support among grassroots organizations and political allies.
This gathering will provide a platform for member parties and civil society representatives to discuss pathways for pressuring authorities to adopt their proposed electoral reforms.
“The Ivorian people deserve an election that reflects their voice—not one marred by manipulation and selective exclusion,” said one member of the coalition’s steering committee.
Growing Public Pressure for Democratic Accountability
Observers say that CAP-CI’s emergence reflects growing public frustration with perceived electoral injustices and the increasing centralization of political power. In past elections, disputes over voter registration, biased institutions, and exclusion of candidates have triggered widespread protests and violence.
In 2010, a post-election crisis left over 3,000 people dead, and memories of that national trauma continue to shape the political landscape today.
International organizations, including the African Union and ECOWAS, have urged Ivory Coast’s government to maintain peace and uphold democratic principles in the lead-up to the 2025 vote. Some diplomatic voices have also called for a neutral audit of the electoral process.
Opposition Pushback Amid Tightening Political Space
CAP-CI’s call for reform comes at a time when opposition parties are finding it increasingly difficult to operate freely. Several political meetings have reportedly faced administrative delays or outright bans, while opposition leaders claim state-controlled media offers minimal coverage of their activities.
Despite these challenges, CAP-CI says it will continue to engage peacefully with institutions while rallying public support to pressure the government to open the electoral process.
“Democracy is not about exclusion—it’s about participation,” said a youth organizer aligned with the coalition. “We are organizing not just for our leaders, but for every Ivorian who believes in change through the ballot box.”
Eyes on October: A Defining Moment for Côte d’Ivoire
As the countdown to October continues, political analysts say the coming months will be critical for determining whether the presidential election can proceed under fair and inclusive terms. The formation of the CAP-CI and its early momentum suggest that opposition groups are seeking new, coordinated strategies to challenge the ruling establishment.
With the final list of candidates set to be revealed next month, and growing scrutiny on the electoral commission, Ivory Coast stands at a crossroads—between democratic reform and further political polarization.
For now, all eyes are on 31 May, when CAP-CI convenes its first major meeting, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal shift in the country’s political dynamics.
