The Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA) has announced that it will take part in the legislative elections scheduled for December 27. After being absent from the presidential race due to the invalidation of its leader Tidjane Thiam’s candidacy, the country’s oldest political party is now making its return to the electoral arena.

In a six-page letter published on October 31 from abroad, Thiam called on party members to remain mobilized and prepare to win this crucial vote. He urged supporters to secure victory “everywhere the PDCI will present candidates, and support opposition candidates wherever the party is not represented.”

The former Credit Suisse CEO stressed that strong voter turnout will be essential to avoid what he described as “the trap of an election marred by fraud.” “Our participation only makes sense if turnout is the highest ever recorded,” he added.

Political analyst Geoffroy-Julien Kouao views this election as a decisive moment for the PDCI, saying: “The election of members of Parliament is a lifeline for the PDCI if it wants to avoid disappearing from the Ivorian political scene.” He further noted, “The party’s refusal to present a plan B for the presidential race has been politically damaging.”