Ivory Coast referendum to take place on October 30

The Ivory Coast has set October 30 for its referendum to adopt the new constitution, the government spokesperson announced on Wednesday.

“The Ivorian electoral college will be convened on Sunday, October 30, 2016. Voting will commence at 8am and end at 6pm,” Bruno Koné told the press after a cabinet meeting.

“The start of campaign is set for October 22, at midnight and ends at midnight on October 29,” he added.

On Tuesday, the National Assembly adopted the new draft constitution proposed by President Alassane Ouattara.

The new constitution creates the position of vice president who will be elected at the same time as the president and the senate which one third of members will be appointed by the president.

It also a new term for the president which will be five years and renewable once. It also removes the maximum age limit of 75 years to be a candidate and provides that the president is re-elected only once.

The Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) founded by former President Laurent Gbagbo, has rejected the proposed new constitution, citing lack of consultation.