Dozens of opposition parties in Cote d’Ivoire have created the Coalition for a Peaceful Alternation ahead of the October presidential election. The coalition aims to demand electoral reforms and establish a balance of power. Key players include prominent parties like PDCI, MGC, and COJEP. Political analysts express concerns over fragmented opposition possibly benefiting the ruling party, but cite potential strength in a unified opposition.
In Cote d’Ivoire, numerous opposition parties have formed a coalition in anticipation of the presidential election scheduled for October. Named the Coalition for a Peaceful Alternation, the alliance aims to advocate for electoral reform and create a balance of power against the ruling party. Notable members include the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC) led by former first lady Simone Gbagbo, and Charles Blé Goudé’s Young Patriots of Ivory Coast (COJEP).
Simone Gbagbo stated, “For its part, our coalition decided today to take another step forward in its project to strengthen the grouping of the opposition by formalising this structure.” However, the coalition notably lacks the support of former president Laurent Gbagbo’s party. With the opposition fragmented into three blocs, there is concern that vote splitting may favor the ruling party, unless the coalition successfully garners wider support beyond its current members.
Political analyst Christophe Koffi suggests that President Alassane Ouattara’s party may face significant challenges if the election proceeds to a second round. He remarked, “Unlike in Cameroon, the political parties have formed a bloc and the electorate will be very large around this bloc.” Koffi believes that if the opposition can push the election to a second round, all opposition voters will consolidate around the leading candidate, potentially destabilizing the ruling party.
As the campaign intensifies, it remains to be seen how this newly formed coalition will influence the outcome of the upcoming elections.
The formation of the Coalition for a Peaceful Alternation could signal a shift in the political landscape of Cote d’Ivoire ahead of the presidential election. By uniting several major opposition parties, the coalition aims to challenge the ruling party and bring attention to electoral reform. However, the absence of former president Laurent Gbagbo’s party raises questions about the coalition’s unity and effectiveness. Political analyst Christophe Koffi’s insights suggest that a strong opposition presence could potentially disrupt the ruling party if the election goes to a second round.
Original Source: www.graphic.com.gh
