Thousands protested in Abidjan against the barring of opposition leaders from October’s presidential election.
The electoral commission has excluded four main opposition figures, including ex-President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam. Demonstrators gathered in Yopougon, holding signs reading “Enough is enough!” and “No true democracy without true justice.” Ivory Coast, with 32 million people, is the biggest economy in francophone West Africa. Gbagbo and Thiam had formed an alliance to challenge President Alassane Ouattara.
The 83-year-old Ouattara is seeking a fourth term after removing term limits in 2016. Protesters say his candidacy is unconstitutional and a threat to democracy. Crowds chanted and waved banners declaring support for Gbagbo and Thiam.
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