Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast – (African Boulevard News) – Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo has filed an appeal to have his name reinstated on the country’s electoral roll ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.
Gbagbo, who was ousted during the country’s post-electoral crisis in 2010, was barred from running in the 2015 elections, as his name was not on the electoral register. He has now filed an appeal, hoping to have his name included in the current electoral roll for the October 31, 2023 presidential elections.
According to Gbagbo’s lawyers, the former president’s application to have his name included in the electoral roll was rejected by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), despite fulfilling all the necessary requirements.
“I was taken to the ICC with tons of accusations: crimes against humanity, war crimes, rape. but I was there. So I defended myself and I won, I was acquitted. Here they’re hiding in secret and they’re…”, Gbagbo stated, expressing his concern about the situation.
Gbagbo’s supporters have accused the IEC of deliberately removing his name from the electoral roll, claiming the move is politically motivated.
“The decision to exclude Gbagbo from the electoral roll is a violation of his civil rights and the constitution of Ivory Coast,” commented a local human rights activist.
However, some have argued that Gbagbo’s appeal to have his name added to the electoral roll is simply a ploy to cause unrest in the country.
“The former president’s return to politics could create further division in Ivory Coast. It is important that all candidates are treated fairly, and that the election process is transparent and credible,” commented an analyst.
The electoral commission has yet to respond to Gbagbo’s appeal, and it remains unclear whether the former president’s name will be included on the register for the upcoming presidential elections.
In conclusion, the inclusion or exclusion of Gbagbo’s name on the electoral roll for the October 31, 2023 presidential elections may have significant implications on the country’s political landscape. The electoral commission must ensure a fair and transparent process is in place to determine who will run in the elections.
