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Côte d'Ivoire's ruling party, the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace, has thrown its weight behind President Alassane Ouattara's potential fourth term bid, increasing the likelihood of the 82-year-old leader extending his tenure. This development comes despite Ouattara's previous indications of his desire to step down.
The party's support was made clear by one of its members, who stated, "We've told him that supporters don't want anyone else but him, and we're aligning ourselves with this choice. He has no choice but to accept and be our candidate in 2025." This declaration underscores the party's conviction that Ouattara is the best candidate for the 2025 elections.
Ouattara has been at the helm of Côte d'Ivoire since 2010 and has already benefited from a constitutional reset in 2016, which allowed him to run for another term. The new constitution, adopted after his electoral victory in 2015, effectively reset the existing two-term limit.
The ruling party reportedly sees no viable alternative candidates, prompting their decision to support Ouattara's fourth term bid. This development has sparked concerns about the potential impact on the country's democracy and the rule of law.
To mobilize support for Ouattara, the party has organized a series of events, including a recent ceremony to showcase cocoa farmers' backing for the incumbent leader. This demonstration of support highlights the party's determination to keep Ouattara at the helm.
The international community is watching Ouattara's potential fourth term bid closely, with many questioning the implications for democracy in West Africa. Some regional leaders have expressed concerns about the potential consequences for the region's stability.
As Côte d'Ivoire prepares for the 2025 elections, the ruling party's support for Ouattara's fourth term bid is set to shape the country's political landscape. Only time will tell if Ouattara will accept the party's nomination and how the opposition will respond to this development.
Ouattara's extended rule has been marked by economic growth and stability, but critics argue that his continued presence undermines democratic institutions. The opposition is likely to face significant challenges in mounting an effective campaign against the well-established ruling party.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Côte d'Ivoire's politics, as Ouattara's decision on whether to run for a fourth term will have far-reaching consequences for the country and the region.