By Sara Camara
Abidjan, Ivory Coast – In a move that has sent shockwaves through Ivorian politics, Tidjane Thiam, the main opposition leader and presidential candidate for the Democratic Party (PDCI), has been removed from the electoral roll. The decision, made by the judiciary on Thursday, effectively bars him from running in the upcoming October presidential election.
The court argued that Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse, forfeited his Ivorian nationality when he acquired French citizenship in 1987. While Thiam renounced his French citizenship to stand for president, the court maintained that the acquisition of French citizenship resulted in the loss of his Ivorian nationality.
Thiam, who was only confirmed as the PDCI’s presidential candidate last week, has condemned the ruling as an “act of democratic vandalism, which will disenfranchise millions of voters.” He believes his growing support among the electorate is the true reason behind his disqualification.
“It’s no surprise that this court ruling comes as our support among voters continues to grow,” Thiam stated. “After 15 years in power, RHDP leaders are running scared. They want to monopolise power rather than face the judgement of the electorate.”
The ruling adds to the already tense political climate in Ivory Coast. The governing RHDP party has yet to announce its candidate, but current President Alassane Ouattara, 83, is widely expected to seek a controversial fourth term in office. Further fueling concerns about the fairness of the election, three other prominent political figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo, have also been deemed ineligible to run.
Thiam’s political career began after he became the first Ivorian to graduate from France’s prestigious Polytechnique engineering school. Returning to Ivory Coast, he entered politics and, at the age of 36, became planning minister in 1998. Following a coup that ousted the PDCI from power the following year, Thiam moved abroad and enjoyed a successful international business career. He held senior positions at major companies like Aviva, Prudential, and Credit Suisse, the latter of which he left in 2020 following a spying scandal, although he was cleared of any involvement.
The disqualification of Thiam is likely to further inflame political tensions and raise questions about the integrity of the upcoming presidential election in Ivory Coast. The decision has already drawn criticism from supporters and is likely to be challenged in the coming days. The future of the Ivorian political landscape remains uncertain as the nation prepares for a potentially contentious election.
