Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential campaign has officially kicked off ahead of the October 25 vote, with over 8.7 million citizens expected to cast their ballots.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is calling on candidates to conduct themselves with civility and respect, urging voters to uphold peace and democratic values during the campaign period.

IEC President Ibrahime Coulibaly-Kuibiert assured that all necessary measures have been taken to guarantee a fair, secure, and transparent election process nationwide.

The appeal comes as the country prepares for what observers hope will be a peaceful and credible vote.