Simone Gbagbo, Ivory Coast’s iron lady, eyes presidential palace in unlikely comeback bid

Years after she was holed up in a bunker alongside her then-husband and president who had refused to step down following an election loss, Simone Ehivet Gbagbo is seeking to return to the presidential palace in Ivory Coast ‘s election this week in what analysts say is an unlikely comeback.

Gbagbo, 76, is running for president in Saturday’s election under the banner of the Movement of Skilled Generations party, competing against four other candidates, including President Alassane Ouattara, who is seeking a fourth term.

In a country where there has never been a female president, Gbagbo tells The Associated Press she could be a first.

“I think this idea (of a female president) is much less shocking than it was 20 years ago,” she said after a presidential campaign outing in Guibéroua in southern Ivory Coast, adding that she believes the country is ready for its first female president.

“It’s