Alassane Ouattara, president of Ivory Coast, has declared that he will seek reelection in October for a fourth term.
The 83-year-old stated in a statement that he was running because he wanted to “preserve national stability amid ongoing security and economic challenges” and that his health was not a concern.
Ouattara contends that his two-term limit was reset by the 2016 adoption of a new constitution, allowing him to run.
Since a number of possible opponents have already been eliminated from the contest, he will be the clear favorite in the poll.
Former Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, former President Laurent Gbagbo, and former Minister Tidjane Thiam are among the candidates who were not selected.
Thiam quickly condemned Ouattara’s choice to run on Tuesday, as did other opposition figures.
“Today’s announcement by Mr Ouattara constitutes a violation of our Constitution and a new attack on democracy,” Thiam said in a statement.
“The Ivorian people will continue to make their voices heard and show the world what we think of this situation.”
On the same day Ouattara announced his bid, authorities banned a peaceful protest planned for 7 August.
NKONKONSA.com
