Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara announced on Monday that he would propose "modifications to the Constitution" to parliament, assuring that it would not be a question of eliminating "anyone" from the presidential race in October 2020.

"During the first quarter of this year, I will propose to Parliament amendments to the Constitution to make it more coherent", "to further consolidate the rule of law and bring institutions closer to our fellow citizens", declared Alassane Ouattara during the ceremony to present the nation's New Year's greetings to the President.

“I would like to reassure everyone that it is not a question of 'stalling' anyone. As I said, everyone can be a candidate” in the presidential election. "I just turned 78 and I don't intend to exclude anyone, including myself," added the president, who is finishing his second term. He did not give further details on the proposed constitutional changes.

Opposition warning
The opposition has warned the government against a constitutional reform that would limit the age of candidates, which could have the effect of eliminating its historical rivals, ex-presidents Laurent Gbagbo, 74, and Henri Konan from the race. Bédié, 85, but also Alassane Ouattara himself.

The Head of State maintains the mystery about a possible candidacy for a third term. He announced that he would be a candidate if Henri Konan Bédié and Laurent Gbagbo presented themselves. President Alassane Ouattara believes he has the right to run again due to a change in the Constitution in 2016, which the opposition disputes.