The government of Côte d'Ivoire has banned all public gatherings and demonstrations for a two-month period, from October 17 to December 17. The measure is implemented due to the approaching presidential elections scheduled for October 25, as reported by the local outlet Koaci, citing a government decree.

The ban does not apply to assemblies that are part of the electoral process, including candidate meetings with voters, party conventions, and similar events.

According to the document, participants in unauthorized demonstrations may face criminal proceedings. The responsibility for enforcing the decree lies with local administration heads, prefects, as well as the leadership of the gendarmerie and police.

"This decision aims to preserve public order and ensure a calm environment during this sensitive electoral period," a source close to the ministry told Koaci.

Earlier in October, approximately 700 people were summoned for questioning by the prosecutor's office due to their participation in protest actions.

A major opposition march in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan, planned by the opposition platform "United Front" for October 11, effectively did not take place as police blocked the main approaches to the starting point of the demonstration. In response to the dispersal of the rally, the opposition announced the start of daily protests against the current authorities.

The protest was timed to coincide with the country's presidential elections, scheduled for October 25. The ruling party nominated the incumbent head of state, Alassane Ouattara, as its candidate in June. Meanwhile, opposition figures Tijen Tiémélé and Laurent Gbagbo were barred from participating in the elections. Thousands of Abidjan residents participated in a demonstration on August 9 against Ouattara's bid for a fourth term. The "African Initiative" provided a detailed report on the electoral race in Côte d'Ivoire in late September.

The "United Front" was established by Tiémélé and Gbagbo, who were excluded from the presidential election, to pressure incumbent President Alassane Ouattara in his re-election attempt. The platform includes the African People's Party - Côte d'Ivoire (PPA-CI) and the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI-RDA).

Anna Bespalova