President Alassane Ouattara declared on Thursday that the October 25 presidential election will be "peaceful, secure, and democratic," urging citizens to vote with "responsibility and maturity" during a speech marking the country's 65th independence anniversary.

Key Announcements:

1. Electoral Guarantees:

   • All measures taken to ensure "transparent and calm elections"

   • Called on political/civil actors to "fulfill their responsibilities" in this national process

2. Controversial Candidacy:

   • Ouattara is running for a fourth term, despite opposition objections

   • Main opposition figures are boycotting the polls

3. Economic Measures:

   • Pledged to increase civil servant/pensioner bonuses from 1/3 to 2/3 of base salary starting January 2026

   • Boasted of achievements during his three terms, calling Côte d'Ivoire "a regional model of peace, stability, and development"

4. Opposition Response:

   • A coalition including ex-President Laurent Gbagbo's party and opposition leader Tidjane Thiam will hold protests in Abidjan this Saturday demanding:
     ✓ Inclusive elections
     ✓ National political dialogue