In Côte d’Ivoire, the campaign season wraps up today as five presidential candidates conclude their final rallies ahead of the October 25 polls.

Over the past two weeks, political messages have echoed beyond rallies and into marketplaces, where vendors and artisans closely follow the unfolding campaign.

Many traders say they hope the next administration will address issues that directly affect their livelihoods — including market infrastructure, access to credit, and rising costs of goods.

However, not everyone is optimistic. Some vendors express skepticism, saying past promises have rarely translated into real change, leaving them uncertain about what the coming vote will truly bring.