Côte d’Ivoire’s 2025 Election: Opposition Leader Charles Blé Goudé Barred Amid Rising Tensions

As Côte d’Ivoire gears up for its pivotal October 2025 presidential election, political tensions escalate following the exclusion of key opposition figures, including prominent leader Charles Blé Goudé. The Pan-African Congress for Justice and Equality of Peoples (Cojep) has strongly condemned the rejection of his appeal, calling it a systematic effort to sideline opposition voices.

Court Rejects Blé Goudé’s Appeal, Deepening Political Divide

On April 25, 2024, the Court of First Instance in Gagnoa dismissed an appeal challenging Blé Goudé’s removal from the provisional electoral list. This decision effectively blocks the former Youth Minister’s presidential bid. Despite being acquitted by the International Criminal Court, Blé Goudé faces a 20-year prison sentence in Côte d’Ivoire for his alleged involvement in the 2010-2011 post-election crisis.

Cojep has denounced this move as a grave injustice, further straining the country’s political climate. Blé Goudé had previously warned that “2025 will not happen without us,” signaling the opposition’s determination to participate in the electoral process.

Presidential Amnesty Request Goes Unanswered

In December 2024, Blé Goudé sought presidential amnesty from incumbent leader Alassane Ouattara to clear his legal obstacles. However, the government has remained silent on this request. Without amnesty, his conviction strips him of civil rights, rendering him ineligible to run.

This exclusion mirrors the fate of other opposition leaders like Laurent Gbagbo and Guillaume Soro, fueling accusations of a deliberately restrictive electoral process. Critics argue these moves undermine democratic principles ahead of the crucial election.

Cojep Accuses Government of Systematic Exclusion

Cojep maintains these exclusions represent more than legal technicalities—they reflect a calculated political strategy to marginalize opposition. The party urges the government to foster inclusive dialogue to ensure fair elections and maintain stability.

All eyes now turn to June when the final electoral list will be published, as opposition groups prepare to challenge what they view as an uneven political playing field.

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