Most Ivorians will be voting in November for their general elections, and in some cases, it will also include parliamentary elections. These elections will offer the Ivorians a chance to vote the candidates they want to control their government and lead the country. However post-independence, Ivory Coast’s previous elections have never been straightforward even after they had some democratic progress within the country Rudolf Okonkwo (2020). During Ouattara’s presidency there has been economic and democratic stability in the country. However, they are now at risk due to broad based alliance that has underpinned Cote D’lvoire political instability. The country has experienced corruption, abuse of power, voter fraud and violence. People are now concerned about this year’s general elections because, after the government has issued an arrest warrant for a presidential candidate Guillaume Soro. The former prime minister was set to run for the presidential race Rudolf Okonkwo (2020). Early in February 2019 Guillaume Soro decided to resign as the president of the parliament, and he has refused to join and support a party that is under Quattara’s leadership. He has challenged the RHDP party in October 2020, although he may not have majority of people supporting him, but he does have a great number of supporters that will be voting for him during the elections in October.
Africa and the International community will be watching the up coming general elections very closely, many political analysts have claimed that these elections would be full of surprises Adewale Omojowo (2020). Guillaume Soro’s planned return to Cote d’lvoire will undeniably cause political tension within the country since his loyal supporter have believed as a political trap. Guillaume Soro has stated that “he will remain as a presidential candidate, I will organise a resistance from France” meaning even though he got an arrest warrant and currently living in exile, he will continue to run for the presidential race (France24, 2020). This has influenced his supporters view his arrest as an obstruction to him to enter the presidential race since he cannot properly campaign in Cote d’lvoire just like his political opponents. This can cause destabilisation within the country especially when the politician still has supporters that can influence the outcome of the elections. Many of his supporters may view him as a martyr, however other people will see his arrest as a beacon of hope beginning for fair democracy for Cote d’lvoire. The government have claimed that Guillaume Soro, was plotting a coup and they have arrested Soro’s important allies, who were supposedly behind the rebellion campaign.
This could cause commotion during election because it could result in another year of political violence and unrest within the country Jessica Moody (2020). The elections in October would be a test of stability for Cote d’Ivoire, and its democracy since one of the most prominent politicians has been arrested. This year’s election in Cote d’lvoire will exhibit if the country will truly have free and fair democratic elections without violence, however they are still some concerns that elections will be filled with violence and threats against the voters.
