Ivory Coast: these atypical candidates who dream of a presidential election
Journalists await the exit of a candidate at the headquarters of the Independent Electoral Commission.
RFI / Pierre Pinto
Text by: RFI Follow
3 min
In Côte d'Ivoire, the Independent Electoral Commission registered 45 candidates for the October 31 presidential election.
In addition to heavyweights, Ouattara, Bédié, Gbagbo, Soro, Affi N'guessan, former ministers and political figures such as Toikeusse Mabri, Marcel Amon Tanoh, KKB, or Mamadou Koulibaly, many unknown people or atypical personalities have submitted their cases , with more or less sincere and sometimes eccentric intentions.
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From our correspondent in Abidjan
,
Pierre Pinto
He arrived on foot, alone, bag on his back and one hand in his pocket.
Far from the images of 4X4 noria carrying dozens of sponsorship boxes of the “big candidates”.
Koffi Kouamé Armand simply took the opportunity to submit an incomplete file to send a message for peace in Côte d'Ivoire.
Incomplete file also for this other stranger, physics teacher in Daloa, dressed as a crooner from Las Vegas.
Celestin Gueu concedes to present himself "
on a whim
".
Of the 45 candidates, only three women: a lawyer, Madeleine Bley, a former first runner-up to Miss Côte d'Ivoire, Marie Carine Bladi, who sang a religious song at the exit calling for a vote "
so that God's project is materializes
”
through its channel.
And a pastor.
A profession widely represented among the candidates.
The file of the former prefect of Abidjan ...
If some of these suitors enjoy a small notoriety in certain circles of Abidjan, many are those, unknown, who thus offer themselves a quarter of an hour of glory.
Most have no chance of seeing their application validated for lack of having submitted a complete file.
On the other hand, a name well known to Ivorians was added to the list creating the surprise Sunday August 30.
That of the former prefect of Abidjan Vincent Toh Bi Irie.
In a video posted on Monday, the popular senior official provided further details.
This candidacy was submitted by young people close to him, probably to send a message on the renewal of generations in politics.
An approach from which he wishes, he said, to stand out since the law does not allow him to present himself.
The #CEI registered 45 applications.
Which will be validated by the Constitutional Council?
Verdict in 15 days.
#CIV pic.twitter.com/VuzXlRdlvP
Pierre Pinto (@_PierrePinto) September 1, 2020
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