Fact Check: The independent electoral commission of Ivory Coast excluded Tidjane Thiam from the final list of presidential candidates on June 4, 2023.

Fact Check: "The independent electoral commission of Ivory Coast excluded Tidjane Thiam from the final list of presidential candidates on June 4, 2023."

What We Know

On June 4, 2023, the independent electoral commission of Ivory Coast officially excluded Tidjane Thiam from the final list of presidential candidates for the upcoming election scheduled for October 2023. This decision was made alongside the exclusion of three other prominent opposition candidates. The basis for Thiam's exclusion was a court ruling that deemed him ineligible to run due to his dual Ivorian-French nationality, which he had previously held but renounced in March 2023 (AP News, Washington Post). Thiam, a former CEO of Credit Suisse and leader of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), has publicly vowed to contest this ruling (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that Tidjane Thiam was excluded from the presidential candidate list on June 4, 2023, is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press and Reuters both reported on the exclusion, confirming that the electoral commission acted in compliance with a court ruling regarding Thiam's eligibility (AP News, Reuters).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are well-established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The Associated Press, for instance, is recognized globally for its accurate reporting and has a long history of covering international news, including political events in Africa.

Furthermore, the political context surrounding Thiam's exclusion is significant. His candidacy was seen as a substantial challenge to the current president, Alassane Ouattara, which adds a layer of political tension to the situation. The PDCI and its supporters have expressed strong discontent with the electoral commission's decision, leading to protests demanding Thiam's reinstatement on the electoral list (AP News, Washington Post).

The court's ruling that led to Thiam's exclusion has been criticized by his party as arbitrary and unjust, indicating that the political landscape in Ivory Coast remains contentious and fraught with allegations of unfair practices (AP News, Washington Post).

Conclusion

The claim that "the independent electoral commission of Ivory Coast excluded Tidjane Thiam from the final list of presidential candidates on June 4, 2023," is True. This conclusion is based on reliable reporting from multiple news sources that confirm the exclusion was officially announced by the electoral commission, following a court ruling regarding Thiam's eligibility due to his dual nationality.

Sources

1. Ivory Coast's final electoral list excludes opposition leader Thiam
2. Thousands protest in Ivory Coast after opposition leader barred from ...
3. Thousands protest in Ivory Coast after opposition leader ...
4. Ivory Coast opposition leader Thiam is excluded from the ...
5. Ivory Coast opposition leader Thiam is excluded from ...
6. Tidjane Thiam
7. Thousands protest in Ivory Coast after opposition leader barred ... - WRAL
8. Côte D'Ivoire: Opposition Leader Tidjane Thiam Barred from Presidential ...