Dozens of opposition parties in Ivory Coast have formed an alliance ahead of the country’s presidential election in October, aiming to push for electoral reforms and challenge the ruling party’s dominance.
The newly formed Coalition for a Peaceful Alternation includes major opposition groups such as the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), the country’s oldest political party; the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC), led by former first lady Simone Gbagbo; and Charles Blé Goudé’s Young Patriots of Ivory Coast (COJEP).
“For its part, our coalition decided today to take another step forward in its project to strengthen the opposition by formalizing this structure,” Gbagbo said on behalf of the alliance.
However, the coalition does not include the party of former President Laurent Gbagbo, leaving the opposition divided into three separate blocs. Analysts warn this split could dilute opposition votes and benefit the ruling party unless the new coalition expands its support.
Political analyst Christophe Koffi said President Alassane Ouattara’s party could face a significant challenge if the election goes to a runoff.
“Unlike in Cameroon, the opposition parties here have united, and the electorate will be very large around this bloc,” Koffi said. “If they manage to force the ruling party into a second round, opposition voters could consolidate behind the leading candidate, and this could disrupt the ruling party’s hold on power.”
With a tense campaign expected in the months ahead, the key question remains whether the new coalition can significantly impact the October election.