KATHMANDU: Ivory Coast’s Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly has died after falling ill at a ministerial meeting.

Prime Minister Gon Coulibaly had only just returned from France where he had received two-months’ heart treatment.

Gon Coulibaly had become unwell during a weekly cabinet meeting and was taken to hospital where he later died.

Gon Coulibaly had received a heart transplant in 2012 and had travelled to Paris on 2 May for the insertion of a stent.

He returned last Thursday saying: “I am back to take my place by the side of the president, to continue the task of developing and building our country.”

Gon Coulibaly was among the favorites to win the presidential election.

An article in Le Monde on Monday quoted one foreign observer as saying: “If Gon Coulibaly were unfit, Ouattara would have no choice but to run as a candidate because there is no plan B.

The 61-year-old had been chosen as the ruling party’s candidate for October’s presidential election, after incumbent President Alassane Ouattara said he would not seek a third term in office.

His death creates huge uncertainty over the election.

(With inputs from Agencies)