Ivory Coast’s former First Lady Simone Gbagbo has been officially cleared to contest next month’s presidential election, sparking surprise and renewed interest in the country’s politics.
The 76-year-old will run against President Alassane Ouattara, 83, who is seeking a fourth term despite controversy surrounding the eligibility of several key candidates.
Gbagbo’s candidacy is not only politically significant but also symbolically powerful, given the underrepresentation of women in Ivorian politics.
Only 30% of Ivorian parliamentarians are women, and few have held senior government roles.
Her campaign slogan, “build a new nation” within “a sovereign, dignified, and prosperous Africa,” highlights her vision for the country’s future.
The election has been marred by controversy, with several prominent candidates, including ex-President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Prime Minister Pascal Affi N’Guessan, being barred from contesting the poll. Former Credit Suisse bank CEO Tidjane Thiam, who was also disqualified, criticized the decision as “an act of democratic vandalism.”
As the election approaches, concerns about legitimacy and stability are growing, with 8.7 million registered voters and potential unrest on the horizon.
Simone Gbagbo’s candidacy, however, offers a fresh perspective, with her decades-long experience in politics and commitment to national reconciliation and economic development.
