Ivorian ex-leader Gbagbo not chosen for re-election

Following months of speculation that Ivory Coast’s ex-President Laurent Gbagbo might return to the country to run for office again, his political party has chosen a different candidate for October’s election.

The Ivorian Popular Front says it has instead selected Mr. Gbagbo’s former prime minister, Pascal Affi N’Guessan, as its candidate.

The election is seen as the biggest test of the country’s stability since a civil war 10 years ago.

It was sparked by Mr. Gbagbo’s refusal to step down following a disputed run-off election.
The civil war which was the second in the Ivory Coast was a full-scale military conflict between forces loyal to Laurent Gbagbo, who ruled since 2000, and supporters of the internationally recognized president-elect Alassane Ouatarra.

This civil war lasted from 2002-2004 and the overall casualties of the war were estimated to be around 3000.

The UN and French forces took military action, with the stated objective to protect their forces and civilians.

France’s forces arrested Gbagbo at his residence on 11 April 2011.

Mr. Gbagbo lives in Belgium, after being acquitted of war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC) last year.

October’s vote is still likely to be a controversial vote as the incumbent, Alassane Ouattara, is expected to stand even though his opponents say the constitution bars him from a third term. Former President Henri Konan Bedie is also a candidate.