As Côte d’Ivoire approaches its October 2025 presidential election, the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) is doubling down on support for its leader, Tidjane Thiam, despite his removal from elections candidates list.
In a show of political resolve, the party held a major rally at its Cocody headquarters over the weekend to affirm unity and insist that Thiam remains its sole candidate. Party officials, led by MP Soumaila Brédoumy, dismissed any alternative candidacy, asserting that Thiam alone has the leadership and popular support to win.
The party’s determination comes amid the Electoral Commission’s claim that revising the voters’ list before the election is not feasible. Still, PDCI leaders are demanding transparency, inclusive participation, and Thiam’s reinstatement on the list. They have called for a national march and maintain that without these reforms, the integrity of the election is at stake. The situation reflects broader concerns about electoral fairness and rising political tensions as the opposition challenges what it sees as procedural manipulation.
Meanwhile, speculation grows about the PDCI’s strategic options if Thiam remains barred. While some analysts suggest the party could shift focus to the 2026 legislative elections or even encourage Thiam to run in 2030, others warn that failing to present a credible alternative now could damage the PDCI’s standing. For now, the party’s stance is defiant—Thiam is not just their candidate but the face of their political identity going into a high-stakes election.