Ivorian opposition coalition threatens to obstruct elections

A coalition of opposition groups in Cote d'Ivoire has threatened to block presidential elections in October unless the government opens talks on issues of insecurity and the electoral commission. 

The National Coalition for Change formed in May is led by former Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny and 13 political leaders, several of whom have declared themselves candidates in the October 25 election. 

The Coalition says it has not received replies to letters sent to President Ouattara and his government expressing concerns about insecurity in parts of Cote d'Ivoire. 

The coalition also says it has concerns about what it termed pro-government bias in both the voting register and the composition of the national electoral commission. 

It adds that if their demands are not satisfied, there will be no election.

NEWS24