Roche Omer Kraidy has been elected as the President of the Liberty and Democracy for the Republic (Lider), an Ivorian opposition party. 

This party was founded by Mamadou Koulibaly, who was the former president of the Ivorian National Assembly under Laurent Gbagbo’s government. Koulibaly attempted to run for president in in October 2020, but had his file rejected due to lack of sponsorship.

Mr. Kraidy succeeds Monique Gbekia, and was previously the vice president of the party. 

He was elected on Saturday, after an ordinary congress for the party was held. Koulibaly, however, was absent at the conclusion of the meeting.