With one month remaining before Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election, the ruling Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) has rejected opposition claims of political exclusion and foreign interference, expressing confidence in a first-round electoral win.
At a press briefing held Wednesday, September 24, at the party’s headquarters in Abidjan, RHDP spokesperson and Minister of State Kobénan Kouassi Adjoumani confirmed that incumbent President Alassane Ouattara has been officially cleared to contest the October 25 vote. The Constitutional Council’s decision, he said, was based on “objective and irrefutable legal arguments.”
Adjoumani dismissed allegations that the government is attempting to sideline key political figures, noting that the final list of five approved candidates reflects a diversity of political perspectives. He cited the candidacies of Simone Ehivet Gbagbo and Jean-Louis Billon as evidence of a competitive and inclusive race.
Responding to claims that United Nations representatives had urged a postponement of the election, Adjoumani described such reports as “falsehoods” and “fantasies.” He clarified that the UN’s recent visit was part of routine diplomatic engagement aimed at promoting peaceful elections, and that its final communiqué made no reference to challenging the Constitutional Council’s authority.
The minister also addressed recent accusations from the opposition PPA-CI party regarding alleged abductions of activists by armed individuals. He categorically denied the claims, characterizing them as attempts to manipulate public opinion. According to Adjoumani, any arrests have been carried out for legitimate legal reasons and will be adjudicated through the judicial system.
Looking ahead, the RHDP announced the formation of its campaign team, which it described as comprising seasoned political operatives. The party aims to secure a first-round victory with what Adjoumani termed a “large and overwhelming score,” centered on President Ouattara’s record of economic and social development.
In closing, Adjoumani issued a call to young Ivorians to reject violence and embrace democratic participation, framing the upcoming election as a choice for stability, employment, and national progress
