Côte d'Ivoire’s authorities have announced a two-month ban on political rallies and demonstrations just a week before a presidential election.

The ban, announced late Friday by the interior and defence ministries, applies to all political parties and groups except the five candidates officially approved to contest the October 25 vote.

It comes amid rising tensions following the exclusion of opposition politicians Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam from the race.

Hundreds of people rallied at protests in Abidjan last weekend, with security forces dispersing crowds.

The opposition coalition, which includes Gbagbo's African Peoples' Party -Côte d'Ivoire (PPA-CI) and Thiam's Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI), has denounced President Alassane Ouattara's bid for a fourth term.

Ouattara faces four challengers, including former minister Jean-Louis Billon and ex-first lady Simone Gbagbo.