Ouattara, who has been president since 2011, has not yet confirmed his candidacy, despite widespread speculation and calls from his supporters.
The potential for a fourth term for Ouattara has heightened political tensions in Ivory Coast, particularly after several prominent opposition candidates were barred from the October 25 election by the courts.
Critics accuse Ouattara of consolidating power and using legal means to exclude opponents, a charge the government denies, insisting on the judiciary’s independence.
In response to these exclusions, the two main opposition parties, the African People’s Party of Ivory Coast (PPACI) led by former president Laurent Gbagbo, and the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI) led by Tidjane Thiam, have formed a joint campaign to demand the reinstatement of their leaders.
Ivory Coast has a history of election-related violence, notably the dispute over Ouattara’s 2010 victory which led to an estimated 3,000 deaths in clashes with supporters of Laurent Gbagbo.
The current political climate, marked by the exclusion of key opposition figures, raises concerns about potential instability in the lead-up to the upcoming election.
