Former Abidjan Prefect, Vincent Toh Bi Irié, has declared his candidacy for the presidential election in October 2025, just six months ahead of the electoral contest.
"I come to inform you that I am a candidate in the October 2025 presidential election," said Vincent Toh Bi Irié in a video posted on his Facebook page, also revealing his political ambitions.
"My candidacy for the presidential election responds to three concerns: firstly, to bring a new perspective and a new mode of management to all aspects of our national life in response to national and international challenges and the issues facing the youth," he stated.
For the former prefect of Abidjan and former chief of staff of the late Hamed Bakayoko, who is well known for his frequent posts on social media explaining administrative decisions, "We need new governance for our institutions."
Secondly, "It is urgent today that political life be open to all citizens of this country and not reserved for a small caste of professional politicians," he added, before urging, "Do not be spectators of your national life."
"Thirdly, we must end the cycle of violence in the political life of our country. Political parties tear each other apart and seize power for themselves and their clans, but who cares about those who do not recognize themselves in these parties?" he pointed out.
The presidential election in Ivory Coast is scheduled to take place on October 25, 2025.
