Ivory Coast’s Constitutional Council on Monday (September 14) ruled that President Alassane Ouattara is eligible to run for a third term in the Oct. 31 presidential election
The council whittled down an initial list of 44 candidates to just four. It ruled out Ouattara rivals, including former President Laurent Gbagbo,and former rebel leader Guillaume Soro, both of whom reside outside the Ivory Coast but command strong followings inside the country.
The final candidate list for the presidential election on the 31st of October is as follows: 1. Alassane Ouattara, 2. Affi Nguessan Pascal, 3. Bedie Konan Aime Henry, 4. Kouadio Konan Bertin.”
Opponents say President Alassane Ouattara candidacy jeopardizes the West African country’s democracy.
Over a dozen people have died in clashes between protesters and police since August when Ouattara announced his candidacy.
The constitution says the president can only stay in power for two terms, but Ouattara, in pour since 2010, has argued that the publication of a new constitution in 2016 reset his presidency.
The presidential election in 2010 led to a civil war that killed over 3,000 people.
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