Abidjan, July 15, 2025 – Adama Bictogo, President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, recently spoke on France 24 regarding the current political situation just weeks ahead of the October 2025 presidential election. His statement, also published on his official Facebook page, addressed the absence of several political figures, including Tidjane Thiam, Laurent Gbagbo, and Guillaume Soro, from the electoral register.

In response to ongoing criticism and accusations, Mr. Bictogo firmly asserted that the blame directed at President Alassane Ouattara and the government for the alleged exclusion of certain candidates is “entirely unfounded and unjust.” He emphasized that such discourse neither promotes truth nor democratic stability in the country.

The final list of candidates published by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) indeed excludes several opposition figures. According to official information, these exclusions result from judicial decisions and legal eligibility criteria. Among them, Tidjane Thiam was removed due to his dual nationality at the time of registration, while Laurent Gbagbo and Guillaume Soro remain ineligible due to ongoing legal convictions.

This situation has sparked reactions and protests from some political actors and their supporters, who denounce an alleged manipulation of the electoral system. However, Adama Bictogo reminds that the separation of powers must be respected and that the government’s role is not to arbitrarily exclude candidates.

He also noted that President Alassane Ouattara has not yet officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming election. For the National Assembly President, it is essential that the country rallies around a transparent, inclusive, and law-respecting electoral process to ensure social peace and the consolidation of democracy.

This statement comes amid a politically tense context in Côte d’Ivoire, but also reflects the institutions’ declared commitment to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the crucial electoral event.