Tensions Rise in Côte d’Ivoire Ahead of 2025 Presidential Election

With eight months remaining before Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election on October 25, 2025, political tensions are escalating as the government and opposition clash over electoral reforms.

Government Accuses Opposition of Threats

Speaking after the Council of Ministers on March 11, government spokesperson and Communications Minister Amadou Coulibaly accused opposition parties of using threatening rhetoric to disrupt the election process.

“What I’m hearing is threatening rhetoric from a certain opposition that wants to jeopardize the organization of the next elections,” Coulibaly stated, adding that he had heard no belligerent rhetoric from the ruling party.

SEE ALSO: Tensions Loom Over Cote d’Ivoire’s 2025 Presidential Election

Opposition Calls for Electoral Reforms

In response to growing concerns about electoral transparency, 25 opposition parties formed the Coalition for Peaceful Change in Côte d’Ivoire on March 10, 2025. Their goal is to push for key electoral reforms, including:
✔ Electoral boundaries adjustments.
✔ Electoral roll updates.
✔ Reforms to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
✔ Changes to the Electoral Code and election financing rules.
✔ Election security improvements.

The opposition has repeatedly called for a national political dialogue, first sending a request to President Alassane Ouattara on September 26, 2024. However, the Minister of the Interior and Security rejected their request, stating that the fifth phase of political dialogue had already resolved these issues.

What’s Next?

With both sides standing firm, the risk of political unrest is increasing. While the government insists that electoral conditions are fair, the opposition continues to demand reforms, raising concerns about potential disputes leading up to the October 2025 election.