By Fabien Beugre, PDCI Member
As a loyal member of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), I vividly recall the dismay and apprehension that gripped me upon hearing the court’s decision to suspend our upcoming elective congress. This abrupt and ill-timed announcement just a day before the congress was set to commence sent shockwaves through the party, casting a shadow of doubt over our ability to unify and mount a credible challenge to the ruling party in the upcoming elections.
The suspension of the congress, stemming from a lawsuit filed by a group of PDCI members alleging irregularities in the registration process and a lack of transparency, has plunged the party into a state of turmoil. The plaintiffs, aligned with incumbent PDCI executive secretary Maurice Kacou Guikahue, a leading candidate for the party’s presidency, have further fueled suspicions by their perceived support for Adama Bictogo, a member of the ruling party, against Dia Houphouet, a fellow PDCI member, in recent communal elections in Yopougon, a district of Abidjan. These connections raise concerns about their motives and their potential alignment with the ruling party.
This development has escalated the already simmering power struggle within the PDCI, with another key figure, Jean Louis Billon, one of the party’s vice presidents, positioning himself as an opponent of Tidjane Thiam, another leading candidate for the party’s presidency. Billon, reportedly eyeing the party’s nomination for the 2025 presidential election, has been seen as a rival to Thiam, who enjoys significant support among the party’s rank and file.
The court’s intervention has dealt a severe blow to the PDCI’s aspirations of presenting a unified front in the upcoming elections. The party’s ability to mount a credible challenge to the ruling party will now depend on its ability to swiftly resolve its internal divisions and rally behind a single candidate capable of galvanizing the party’s base.
While the cancellation of the congress may have initially caused dismay, I believe there is a glimmer of hope for the PDCI amidst this turmoil. The party’s militants, united in their desire for a strong and unified PDCI, may now rally behind Tidjane Thiam, sending a clear message to the ruling party and its allies that any attempts to undermine the party’s leadership will be met with resistance.
On the other hand, Maurice Kacou Guikahue, with his association with the plaintiffs and perceived alignment with the ruling party, could find himself in a precarious position. His standing within the party could weaken, and his future in the party may be jeopardized.
The suspension of the congress, though a setback, presents an opportunity for the PDCI to reassess its leadership, reevaluate its internal dynamics, and unite behind a figure capable of leading the party towards electoral victory in the 2025 presidential elections. The party’s ability to navigate these turbulent times will determine its fate in the upcoming electoral cycle.
As a PDCI member, I remain steadfast in my support for the party and its mission of restoring democracy and prosperity to Côte d’Ivoire. I firmly believe that the PDCI, with its rich history, strong grassroots support, and dedicated members, can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger than ever.
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