The first ordinary congress
On 31 July and 1 August 2020, the URD held its first ordinary congress in Abidjan. Danièle Boni-Claverie was re-elected party President for five years and nominated as candidate for the October presidential election; Gilbert Ehouman was appointed Secretary General. She then presented herself as a voice of the centre, committed to reconciliation.
The withdrawal of 31 August
On 31 August 2020, the last day for submitting candidacies, the URD President announced she was withdrawing hers. She stated that she had gathered the required sponsorships but refused to endorse a third presidential term, and challenged the legitimacy of the electoral commission as it was then composed. Instead, she proposed opening a national dialogue.
A decision of principle
This withdrawal followed the line defended since 2018: no credible election without a referee accepted by all. It also foreshadowed the 2026 approach — putting forward a complete institutional proposal rather than a mere refusal.
