Ivorian Presidential Candidate Ahoua Don Mello on Election Legitimacy and System Change

Presidential Candidacy and Opposition

• 🎯 Ahoua Don Mello, a presidential candidate in Ivory Coast's October 25 election, states that citizens "want to end the presidency of President Alassane Ouattara."
• 💡 He acknowledges the election's lack of legitimacy due to the exclusion of major opposition figures like Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam.
• 🔑 Despite this, Don Mello is running to "give an opportunity to change the system."

Political Strategy and Alliances

• 🤝 Don Mello is in discussions with former first lady Simone Ehivet Gbagbo and ally Charles Blé Goudé to "set up the same strategy for this election."
• 💬 He believes that despite party leadership estrangement, opposition members will unite to vote for candidates aiming to change the system.
• 🌍 He emphasizes the strong will of citizens across the country to see change.

Election Legitimacy and Systemic Change

• 🚫 Don Mello agrees that the exclusion of key political figures makes the election unfair and illegitimate.
• ⚠️ He argues that the current government excludes other parties, a situation that could repeat if not addressed.
• 🚀 He believes that facing reality and adopting the best strategy is crucial for citizens to enact change.

International Relations and African Sovereignty

• 💼 Don Mello addresses questions about his ties to Russia, stating his work there is a job and not indicative of his political ideology.
• 🌍 He advocates for Ivorian and Francophone African countries to break away from defense and currency agreements with France, citing Anglophone countries' independence as a model.
• 🤝 He aims to make West Africa's common currency operational and foster defense alliances among African nations to build a powerful continent.