Ivory Coast’s main opposition party, the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), has launched a strategic nationwide and diaspora-wide voting process aimed at reinstating Tidjane Thiam as its leader, despite lingering concerns over his previous dual nationality.
The move, which saw the establishment of 45 polling stations across the country and internationally, is designed to resolve the constitutional and internal disputes that led to Thiam’s earlier forced resignation, and to reinforce party unity ahead of the 2025 presidential elections.
Thiam, a former CEO of Credit Suisse and globally renowned banker, was elected president of the PDCI in December 2023. However, his victory was soon mired in controversy when it emerged that he still held French nationality at the time — a direct violation of party statutes that require the party’s top leader to possess only Ivorian citizenship.
A Strategic Political Reset
Determined to keep the momentum of Thiam’s leadership alive and leverage his international stature, the PDCI initiated the new vote to reaffirm confidence in his leadership now that he has formally renounced his French citizenship.
Party stalwart Pierre Kouamé praised the party’s maneuver, calling it a masterstroke of political ingenuity.
“We needed to be smart, and the PDCI has once again proven it’s a great party. A party of hope,” Kouamé said at one of the voting centers.
Yoma Fouka Hervé, another senior member, underscored the importance of the moment, describing the process as a “strategic vote” to restore legitimacy.
“When the party calls on its loyal soldiers to show up at the political bureau, for the election of its various bodies, it’s important to answer the call,” Hervé stated.
The renewed voting effort is being widely interpreted as a move to circumvent legal questions surrounding Thiam’s initial eligibility and to solidify his leadership through a more transparent and timely process.
Thiam Renounces French Citizenship
The PDCI’s decision to relaunch the vote was made possible after Tidjane Thiam officially renounced his French nationality in March 2025. This development cleared a major hurdle that had previously compromised his leadership legitimacy under party law.
With this requirement now fulfilled, Thiam stands unchallenged as the sole candidate in the leadership race, effectively running to succeed himself.
His return, however, is seen as part of a broader game plan. Political observers believe the vote is not just about the party’s internal structure but a tactical move to lay the groundwork for his future presidential ambitions.
Presidential Hurdles Remain
Despite overcoming the nationality issue within the party, Thiam’s path to the 2025 presidential election remains uncertain. His previous disqualification may still affect his chances of being added to the national electoral register in time for the poll.
Political analyst Koua Geoffrey explained that the party is taking a calculated risk, banking on potential negotiations with the government to resolve legal complications tied to Thiam’s eligibility.
“The PDCI is clearly relying on some political optimism. It’s likely hoping for a dialogue to open between the opposition and the government, especially regarding a potential revision of the electoral roll,” Geoffrey said in an interview with local media.
He added that without such a dialogue or reform, the party may have to reconsider its strategy.
“The legal and political hurdles are significant. In my view, this forces the PDCI to seriously consider a Plan B,” he warned.
Thiam’s candidacy hinges not just on party support but on his ability to clear national legal thresholds, particularly those tied to nationality and voter registration deadlines.
PDCI Eyes 2025 With Determination
The upcoming 2025 presidential election is seen as pivotal for the PDCI, which has long sought to regain power after losing the presidency in 1999. With the ruling RHDP party expected to put forward a strong candidate — possibly the current President or another high-ranking official — the PDCI is keen on fielding a contender with broad appeal and international credibility.
Tidjane Thiam fits that profile. His international experience in finance, coupled with his political heritage as the grand-nephew of founding Ivorian President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, gives him a unique blend of technocratic expertise and national symbolism.
But as Koua Geoffrey noted, symbolism alone may not be enough.
“If Thiam cannot get on the ballot, the PDCI risks wasting time and political capital,” he cautioned. “They need to prepare for all scenarios.”
A Leader With Global Appeal
Thiam, 62, is regarded as one of the most respected Ivorian technocrats of his generation. He previously served as Minister of Planning and Development under President Henri Konan Bédié before launching a successful career in global finance.
His 2023 election as party leader was widely seen as a fresh start for the PDCI, promising to bring a modern and globally connected face to Ivorian politics. His resignation, however, dealt a temporary blow to those ambitions.
“For me, this is not just about politics — it’s about restoring confidence in leadership, in our country’s ability to compete globally,” Thiam said in a recent interview shortly after relinquishing his French nationality.
He has yet to formally declare his candidacy for the 2025 election but has given several strong indications that he intends to run, provided he is legally permitted to do so.
Looking Ahead
As the vote to reconfirm Tidjane Thiam’s leadership proceeds, the PDCI appears united behind a singular goal: reinstating a leader who they believe can lead them back to national power. Yet significant uncertainties remain — especially concerning his ability to run for the nation’s highest office.
Still, party members remain hopeful that the strategic move to reaffirm Thiam’s leadership will pave the way for more negotiations and, ultimately, a broader national dialogue that could open the door to his candidacy.
“For Tidjane Thiam, the fight is just beginning,” said one supporter at the polling station. “But we’re with him — every step of the way.”
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