Gbagbo files appeal for his name to be reinstated in electoral roll
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Loading... - Sophia Afari
- 14 Jun 2023
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Former Ivorian president, Laurent Gbagbo, who has been removed from the electoral register, has lodged an appeal to be included in the voter list for the upcoming local elections on September 2. Refusing to let his reputation be tarnished, the former president expressed his determination on Thursday.
"I faced numerous accusations at the ICC, including crimes against humanity, war crimes, and rape. Despite all of that, I stood my ground and successfully defended myself. I was acquitted. Yet, here they are, hiding in secrecy and leveling accusations against me. No. It's highly political and unworthy of being called a fair trial," Gbagbo stated. He further asserted, "No, no, and no! I will not allow my name to be sullied without a fight. I remain resolute!"
Although Mr. Gbagbo has been acquitted of crimes against humanity by international justice for his involvement in the violent post-election crisis of 2010-2011, he still faces a 20-year prison sentence given in absentia in Côte d'Ivoire. This conviction, issued in 2018 while he was detained in The Hague, resulted in the loss of his civil and political rights.
"The priority for President Bedié, Ouattara, and myself should be to ensure a peaceful Côte d'Ivoire for the younger generations. That must be our objective. We should no longer engage in confrontations. That time has passed," the former Ivorian leader added.
Approximately eight million voters are expected to participate in the municipal and regional council elections in Côte d'Ivoire on September 2.
The subsequent presidential election is slated for 2025.
