Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Ivory Coast Ruling Party Nominates President Ouattara to Seek Another Term

VOA News

   IvoryCoast's rulingRHDP party nominatedPresident AlassaneOuattara to
   seek re-election, but he is withholding a decision on seeking a third
   term.

   Earlier this year, the 76-year oldOuattaraspokeof turning over the
   leadership reigns to a new generation.

   Ouattara'splans to bow out may have changed when his prime ministerand
   preferredsuccessorAmadouGonCoulibaly died of cardiac arrest earlier
   this month.

   During a tribute to Coulibaly, the president said he needed time to
   decide if he would consider seeking re-election.

   Ouattara could announce hisdecisionon running again during a planned
   speech to thenation August 6.

   Oppositiongroups in Ivory Coast oppose Ouattara extending
   his10-yearreign, citing a third term in office would be
   unconstitutional.

   Voters are expected to choose the country's next president on October
   31.

.