This Saturday, Cote d’Ivoire will be conducting its legislative elections in Yopougon. The latter has been prone to protests over political differences. The coming polls got many talking about former President Laurent Gbagbo and how he was dethroned by incumbent President Alassane Qatar ten years ago.
The elections will mark a comeback in Laurent Gbagbo and his political organization in institutional politics. Gbagbo’s son, Michel, a university academic and a candidate running in Abidjan’s constituency announced that his father’s reign was not yet over and that they were slowly bouncing back to the top.
Controversies
Last year when President Qattara announced that he would seek a third term in Office, Critics stated that he had sidestepped the constitutional; requirement, which only allowed a President to rule for two years. Many were not pleased with the news as it steered protests. Opposition parties alleged that President Qatar was taking advantage of his position to prolong his time in power.
The riots resulted in 87 people losing their lives and about 500 injured due to police and protestor’s confrontations. Simultaneously, the elections that occurred on 31st October last year had not much of a turnout. The opposition parties snubbed the ballot. Both observers abroad and in Ivory to date fail to recognize the elections’ credibility, which resulted in Alassane’s victory.
Reactions to the Coming Elections
Gilbert Kafana Kone, a legislative candidate of the Rally of Houphoetists for Democracy and Peace Party, expresses his concern and his belief that elections are an opportunity to take stock.
“This election is an opportunity to take stock. They all came to power here (Yopougon); we saw what they left. We also saw what we have done in 10 years. That’s the balance sheet. But if they continue to believe that time has remained fixed, that things haven’t changed, well, we’re waiting for them, they’ll have for their illusions on the evening of the 6th.”
Many Ivorians are excited as they await the Saturday elections; more so, the FPI has shown much effort to get out the vote. The opposition parties have planned to win the legislative seats to prevent Quatarra and his RHDP party from consolidating absolute power.
Plans to Neutralize Political Crises
President Alassane had reached out to Gbagbo, issuing him diplomatic passports to reduce political tensions in the country. It remains unclear when Gbagbo will return to Ivory Coast. Gbagbo has been unable to return home since 2019, following his unceremonious dethronement and exile.
Gbagbo had been fighting his case at the Hague, hoping to liberate himself. He was brought before the International Criminal Court in 2011 to face charges of crimes against humanity. His defense attorney reported that Gbagbo was granted his passports following his acquittal at the Hague. As he plans to activate his political moves, he appointed Assoa Adou to become the secretary-general of his political party. It is unclear what will happen to Cote d’Ivoire when Gbagbo returns. However, all the people want is peace, considering they have experienced days of unending civil war.
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