Ivory Coast’s ruling party RHDP has officially nominated President Alassane Ouattara to seek re-election for a third term.
Mr Ouattara on Wednesday asked for more time to consider the nomination, indicating he would announce his decision in a speech to the nation on 6 August.
“I have heard messages from the various party structures, elected officials and RHDP bodies as well as those from institutional presidents and ministers who have also contacted me directly. I take note of the resolutions of the political council and of your request.
“I ask you to continue to have a thought for Amadou [deceased prime minister] and to give me time for meditation and recovery before giving you an answer very soon,” he said in a statement.
Earlier this year, the 76-year-old Ouattara spoke of paving way for a new generation to lead.
His prime minister and preferred successor Amadou Gon Coulibaly died of cardiac arrest earlier this month.
The opposition has been against the president’s push for a third term.
Ivory Coast is due to hold elections on 31 October and the electoral commission has promised a fair election.
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