Ten key dates in Ivory Coast since 2010 election crisis

Abidjan (AFP) - Ahead of Sunday's presidential election in Ivory Coast, here are 10 key dates since a deadly post-electoral crisis in 2010:

- 2010: Two presidents -

On November 28, the second round of a presidential election delayed six times since 2005 pits incumbent Laurent Gbagbo against Alassane Ouattara.

But on December 3, the country finds itself with two presidents: the constitutional council declares Gbagbo victor, while the electoral commission says Ouattara won. The UN recognises the victory of Ouattara.

A deadly four-month post-election crisis follows Gbagbo's refusal to hand over power.

- 2011: Ouattara's forces launch offensive -

On March 28, forces loyal to Ouattara launch an offensive against the army and win control of much of the country in four days.

- 2011: Foreign troops step in -

April 4: French and UN soldiers deploy in Abidjan to prevent the use of heavy weapons in what has become a civil war.

On April 11, Gbagbo is arrested by Ouattara's troops after 10 days of fighting in the capital. More than 3,000 people are killed during the crisis.

According to the UN and several international organisations, the seizure in late March by forces loyal to Ouattara of Duekoue in the west was marked by large-scale massacres.

On May 21, Ouattara is sworn in as president before 20 African leaders, French president Nicolas Sarkozy and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

- 2011: Gbagbo transferred to The Hague court -

On November 30, Gbagbo is transferred to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. In March 2014 Charles Ble Goude, a close ally of Gbagbo, is incarcerated there as well.

The two, whose trial is to open in November 2015, are accused of crimes against humanity in the post-election crisis.

- 2012: Ethnic tensions in the West

On June 8, an attack in the southwestern town of Tai by fighters from Liberia leaves at least 18 dead, including seven UN peacekeepers. Western parts of the Ivory Coast have been the scene of ethnic tensions for years and remain the country's most unstable region.

- 2012: Attacks on security forces

From August to December a wave of often deadly attacks target security forces and strategic sites. The government blames supporters of Gbagbo but the ex-leader's camp denies this.

- 2014: Reconciliation commission

From September 8-30 a Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission holds public hearings of victims and perpetrators of the 2000-2011 political-military crisis, but is criticised for its lack of organisation and results.

- 2014: Military protests -

On November 18-19, hundreds of soldiers demanding promotion and better working conditions demonstrate in several towns. Protests start in Ivory Coast's second city Bouake but spread to Abidjan, the country's economic capital, and elsewhere.

- 2015: Simone Gbagbo convicted -

On March 10, former first lady Simone Gbagbo is sentenced to 20 years in prison for what was considered a major role in the post-electoral crisis.

- 2015: New presidential election -

On April 25 the ruling coalition nominates Ouattara for re-election in October's presidential poll.

The Ivorian Popular Front of Gbagbo, chooses party chief Pascal Affi N'Guessan as its candidate.

On October 6 ex foreign minister Amara Essy announces the "suspension" of his candidacy saying he will not be part of an "electoral masquerade". Days later former parliament speaker Mamadou Koulibaly too quits a "rigged" election.