Simone Gbagbo: The 'iron lady' taking a shot at Ivory Coast's presidency

Feared by some, loved by others, ex-first lady Simone Gbagbo is vying to become the country's next leader.

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In an extraordinary comeback, the controversial 76-year-old was this week surprisingly allowed to contest October's elections, calling on supporters to help "build a new nation".

For years, Gbagbo worked side-by-side with her ex-husband Laurent, and was considered to be the power behind his throne.

Now, with a criminal conviction and a divorce behind her, she takes centre stage as a presidential candidate in her own right.

Gbagbo was Ivory Coast's first lady from 2000 to 2011 and was dubbed "the iron lady" due to her reputation for toughness.