The PDCI holds its 8th Extraordinary Congress in Yamoussoukro, the administrative capital. This congress takes place after a political-legal standoff. Initially scheduled for last Saturday, the congress was suspended at the last minute by the courts, following a complaint filed by two activists who contested “irregularities” in the organization. Yesterday Thursday, during a hearing at the Abidjan high court, the two activists finally withdrew their complaint.
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with our correspondent in Abidjan, Bineta Diagne
This congress aims to elect a new president for succeed Henri Konan Bédié, died on August 1st. In all, nearly 6,300 delegates are called to vote. They have the choice between two candidates: Tidjane Thiam and Jean-Marc Yacé, both in their sixties.
Tidjane Thiam promises to “ make the PDCI more modern, more attractive and more efficient ”, in his words. The old boss of Credit Suisse wanna ” breathe new life into » to the PDCI by introducing collegial management. Its goal: to help the party win the 2025 presidential election.
Tidjane Thiam benefits from several supporters, including Noël Akossi Bendjo, charismatic vice-president of the party, who withdrew in his favor. Added to this is the support of 47 deputies, who upstream defended his program to delegates inside the country.
Read alsoIvory Coast: “It’s Tidjane Thiam who makes the PDCI dream the most” (Sylvain N’Guessan)
On December 9, during his meeting at the Félix Houphouët Boigny Foundation, Tidjane Thiam campaigned on the theme of the rally. “ In disunity, failure is the only possible outcome. On the other hand, he emphasizes, unity will guarantee success “.
Facing him is the recently re-elected mayor in the commune of Cocody, Jean-Marc Yacé. A rising figure in the party, he wants to rejuvenate the PDCI. Jean-Marc Yacé was an important financial supporter of Henri Konan Bédié for the 2010 campaign. He presents himself as one of his faithful heirs.
About ten days ago, he increased the number of field meetings in Bouaké, Botro, Diabo and Agboville, with these key words: party unity, economic and social development and internal transparency. Jean-Marc Yacé also promises to resolve the problem of the party’s financial autonomy.
Read alsoIvory Coast: the PDCI meets in congress to find a successor to Henri Konan Bédié