The Constitutional Council of Ivory Coast has cleared only 4 of the 44 candidates looking to run for office in the October 31 presidential election.

“The final list of candidates for the election of the President of the Republic to be held on October 31st, 2020 is hereby adopted as follows: 1. Alassane Ouattara, 2. Affi N’Guessan Pascal, 3. Bédié Konan Aimé Henri, 4. Kouadio Konan Bertin,” Mamadou Koné, the President of Ivory Coast’s constitutional council announced. 

Who’s Not In?

The list excluded Laurent Gbagbo the controversial ex-president of Ivory Coast indicted for war crimes and Soro Guillaume, former Prime Minister and rebel leader. Both revoked candidates have two things in common: their candidacy was filed on their behalf by their supporters, and they were both rejected for having being indicted of crimes before. In Cote D’Ivoire, any person who has committed a misdemeanour or a crime and stripped of their civil rights cannot run for president.

Won’t Take No for An Answer 

Soro has rejected the decision of the apex court in a press address in Paris where he is on self-imposed exile. “My candidacy is firm, unchangeable and irrevocable,” he said, urging the  opposition to unite against Ouattara’s third term bid. Gbagbo has not personally responded to the decision by the constitutional court but his supporters have called for mass protests to “block the dictatorship of Ouattara.”

The Current Situation In Ivory Coast

This announcement has sparked violent protests in many parts of the country where dozens have already died from Anti-Conde protests. The government, has failed to tackle the root causes of past political violence and hold accountable those responsible for deaths during the 2011 election violence.

Human Rights Watch reports that the justice system in Ivory Coast also lacks independence due to constant interference by the executive. The incumbent’s decision to run for office despite widespread opposition and the approval of the constitutional court could prove this.