Ouattara: Ivory Coast president wins party nomination for third term

Ivory Coast's ruling RHDP party has officially nominated President Alassane Ouattara to seek re-election for a third term.

Mr Ouattara on Wednesday asked for more time to consider the nomination, indicating he would announce his decision in a speech to the nation on 6 August.

"I have heard messages from the various party structures, elected officials and RHDP bodies as well as those from institutional presidents and ministers who have also contacted me directly. I take note of the resolutions of the political council and of your request.

"I ask you to continue to have a thought for Amadou [the deceased prime minister] and to give me time for meditation and recovery before giving you an answer very soon," he said in a statement.

Earlier this year, the 78-year-old Ouattara spoke of paving way for a new generation to lead.

His prime minister and preferred successor Amadou Gon Coulibaly died of cardiac arrest earlier this month.

The opposition has been against the possibility of the president serving a third term.

Ivory Coast is due to hold elections on 31 October and the electoral commission has promised a fair election.