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First lady, tycoon and vie ‘safe hands of power in Ivory Coast

Dancing dominates campaign rallies in Ivory Coast but erven expining energy and belies are admired for political concerns in the world’s largest cocoa producer.

Saturday’s vote for the President of the West African nation is notable for those who were voted for who are banned from working and those who want the top job.

While the President who approves Alassane Outatara, a hero to some for raising the last 15 years to the country following the BUSTAL CEMPITAL BID, although he is allowed to slap in the face of democracy.

Prominent opposition leader Tidjane Thiam was acquitted in April after a court ruled he had renounced his Ivorian citizenship when he became French in 1987 – while his rival Laurent Gbagbo was banned for a 2018 criminal case.

It was Gbagbo’s refusal to accept defeat in the Outat-Off vote in 2010 that sparked the post-election violence that left more than 3,000 people dead and devastated a country that is key to the world’s supply of chocolate.

However, Ouattara, known to his supporters by his oploms “Ado”, is facing a strong sister, especially that of the wife of Gbugbo, a rich man of the country, but a divided opposition.

There are four students against the octogenarian:

  • Simone Gbagbo76, who was the first lady, was once married to the President of Laurent Gbagbo and was considered his main adviser

  • Jean-Louis Billon60, Former Minister One Of The Richest Social Men Who Made His Power In Palm Oil

  • Henriette Lagou Aboua66, former Minister of Women’s Rights

  • Ahoua don mello67, former Minister and Ex-ably of GBAGBO by Ex-Movengame.

Tycoon Jean-Louis Billon draws crowds in urban areas – especially in the heart of the country [AFP/Getty Images]

Despite economic progress under Ouattara, his opponents hope to capitalize on complaints from many of the country’s poor, who cannot feel the benefits of rapid growth.

“The economy is growing, but not for us,” Billon, a business tycoon and the youngest of all collected – representing the Democratic Congress (code) – said.

Dancing on stage during meetings in front of thousands of supporters in the political capital, Yamoussoukro, he took to doing ydo moves to show that he is “ready for power” full of power “.

“Young people can’t find jobs, and the cost of living is rising,” said the politician, saying that if he gets to the second round and runs seriously, then “Outtara’s time will pass”.

Billon was hoping to represent the high democratic party (PDCI) of former President Henri Konan Bédié.

But in the end the party was going to the disqualified thiam now – so without an election on the ballot paper, Billon feels sure that he will get the support of PDCI supporters.

However, Simone Gbagbo, the leader of the left-wing Movement for Reasonable Generations (MGC), also positioned herself as the voice of the untouchable – and believes that those votes will come to her.

Simone Gbagbo in orange standing to the right of Charles Blé Gé Géudé in a blue shirt with blue and white glasses

Simone Gbagbo – once called “the iron lady” – is supported by Charles Blé Gé Géoudé, her former partner – her husband [MGC]

Always smiling and wearing smart traditional clothes, his energy sparkles and he holds the mic like a pop star. A natural campaigner, he knows how to update his supporters.

The former first person, once called “the lady of steel” because of her reputation for strength, is part of the CPA-CI, a coalition of opposition groups that watch together the wisdom of Ouattara.

“President Outattara did good things, but he destroyed education,” he told supporters recently.

Behind education, clergy and trade unions, his campaign has focused on rebuilding schools and providing better opportunities for young people.

Despite such criticism, Ouattara’s supporters remain optimistic. His meetings seem less intense than in 2010, 2015 and 2020 – but they still attract many people of all ages.

The popular hit Hit Du Marteau (Hammer Blow) by PAMERA of Ivofian Paiya has become the unofficial anthem of his intelligentsia, pastors, MPs and other influential background are often seen dancing with energy.

“The President is in good shape and ready to serve again,” said government spokesman Adama Coulibaly, pointing to large public works and investor confidence as proof of the country’s strength.

Aerial view of the Alassane Ouattara Bridge in Plateau, Abidjan's business district on July 25, 2025.

Alassane Ouattara is called to bring many infrastructure projects to Abidjan [AFP/Getty Images]

But despite a change in the constitution in 2016 that allows Ouattara to continue for a third and fourth term, his homosexuality in this cycle has sparked recent protests with rapid eruptions.

More than 700 demonstrators were arrested earlier this month following a year of protests and sentenced to three years in prison.

There is some concern that this could be a precursor to continued disruption after the vote.

The memory of past political violence is always clear – and to avoid any conflict, security forces are sent to the big cities.

Still, many citizens are taking precautions.

“We are leaving Abidjani a week before the vote,” Ahoua Diomande, a mother of two, told the BBC.

“Each election brings a fight to the death.”

But there are high hopes, like charm matuba, a resident of albarjan who originally came from Congo-Brazzaville and has been closing in on the campaign despite not being able to vote.

“I know that everything will go well. Ivorians do not want to die again from politicians,” he said.

“I just hope that people will vote. All my friends support Simone. She is a leader, a real source of inspiration.”

The faithful of the regions may play a major role in this election, as they have done in the past.

Campaign Billboards of Ahoua Don Mello and Henriette Lagou Aboua seen on the street in Ivory Coast.

Ahoua Don Mello and Henriette Lagou Aboua are seen as outsiders [Reuters]

Ouattara enjoys strong support in the north, where his base among the Dioula-speaking communities remains loyal – and he chose to launch his campaign in the West where he made the votes.

Simone Gbagbo also draws a lot of money from the west – and the south-west, the historical strongholds of her husband’s former party.

Billon appeals to voters in the cities and central regions, promising to improve the economy and make changes for children.

“He represents the new generation,” said Salogo Sanogo, who will be 19. “It will be the first time to vote and I know he will be very successful, we need anything from us. We need change.”

The approval of the excluded candidates would be important but neither Thiam nor President Gbagbo supported anyone else.

However, Simone Gbagbo is supported by Charles Blé Géoudé, a former close ally and who chose not to wear his hat.

“Bring Simone to the palace,” the savvy politician told thousands of supporters of his Patriot Coosep Party at one recent rally.

Alassane Ouattara and his wife kiss while campaigning.

Alassane Outatara, seen here with his wife, is thought to be the favorite given the opposition vote. [RHDP]

Along with the economy, foreign relations also became a campaign issue.

Ivory Coast has taken a hard line against the military juntas in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, which now form a coalition of Sahel nations (aes) and sought closer ties with Russia.

These governments accused Ouattara of colluding with France, their church power, and pursued a “secret agenda” on his behalf – his government denies it, making it support democratic governance in the region.

But the rhetoric has sharpened tensions with its northern neighbors. Some dissidents, including Ahoua Don Mello, suggested that the Ivory Coast should be “open to new relations” with Russia and China, arguing that the country should break with its ethnic roots.

His message has resonated in parts of the West Coast, where anti-French sentiment runs deep.

When fake news was alleged that Ouattasta had died in the public relations department last March, the Ivorian administration believed it started in the AES countries.

As the noise and excitement of the campaigns drawn from those supporters of President Outtattara insist that continuity is the key to maintaining stability and economic development.

His critics say another term could increase frustration and erode trust in democratic institutions – something that has dangerous characteristics of the past.

More BBC news on Ivory Coast:

A woman looks at her mobile phone and a BBC News Africa graphic
[Getty Images/BBC]

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