Summary
Simone Gbagbo, Ivory Coast's former First Lady, has been cleared to run for the presidency in the upcoming election. Her candidacy comes after several prominent figures, including her ex-husband Laurent Gbagbo, were barred from running. The upcoming election has sparked concerns about legitimacy and potential unrest.
Key Facts
- Simone Gbagbo is one of five candidates approved for Ivory Coast's presidential election.
- She will run against the current President Alassane Ouattara.
- Laurent Gbagbo, Simone's ex-husband, is barred from the election due to a past criminal conviction.
- Former Prime Minister Pascal Affi N'Guessan and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam are also disqualified.
- Thiam criticized the disqualification as undermining democracy.
- Simone Gbagbo had a previous prison sentence but was granted amnesty.
- Her candidacy is significant as a symbol for women's representation in Ivorian politics.
