Ivory Coast Tidjane Thiam Rides Again As PDCI Party Overcomes Obstacles

Postr Reporter

In a surprising turn of events, the PDCI party in Ivory Coast has elected Tidjane Thiam as its president, just months after he was forced to resign due to his dual nationality. According to party statutes, the leader must be solely Ivorian, but Thiam had retained his French citizenship at the time of his initial election in December 2023. To circumvent this challenge, Thiam officially renounced his French nationality in March, paving the way for his reelection.

Party members have described the move as a “strategic vote” and a testament to the PDCI’s ability to adapt. “We needed to be smart, and the PDCI has once again proven it’s a great party. A party of hope,” said Pierre Kouamé, a party member. Another member, Yoma Fouka Hervé, emphasized the importance of loyalty to the party, stating, “When the party calls on its loyal soldiers to show up at the political bureau, for the election of its various bodies, it’s essential to answer the call.”

However, Thiam’s comeback is not without its challenges. The PDCI is likely banking on a dialogue with the government to revise the electoral roll, which could potentially allow Thiam to register for the 2025 presidential election. Political analyst Koua Geoffrey noted that the party is holding onto “some political optimism,” but acknowledged that the legal and political hurdles are significant. “In my view, this forces the PDCI to seriously consider a Plan B,” he said.

The 2025 presidential election is looming, and Thiam’s potential ineligibility remains a significant obstacle. Unless the situation shifts before then, the 62-year-old banker’s candidacy for president of Ivory Coast will be compromised. For Tidjane Thiam, the fight is just beginning, and the PDCI’s strategic maneuvering may only be the first step in a long and complex journey.

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