Côte d’Ivoire’s main opposition party, the PDCI, is set to hold nationwide protests today to challenge the removal of its presidential candidate, Tidiane Thiam, from the electoral roll.

The party has called for peaceful gatherings in front of court buildings, accusing the judiciary of political bias after a controversial ruling by the Abidjan Court of First Instance.

At a Council of Ministers meeting, the government warned that any acts of disorder during the protest would not be tolerated.

The standoff raises fresh concerns about political tensions ahead of the upcoming elections.