The Pan-African Platform of Women and Youth for Peace, Democracy, and Governance (2Pfj) has issued a compelling call for an inclusive, participatory, and constructive political dialogue to establish enduring electoral reforms in Côte d’Ivoire. This significant stance was articulated in a declaration released to our editorial team on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

According to the platform, a clear and honest assessment of Côte d’Ivoire’s socio-political landscape is crucial. The nation has endured crises that have left deep scars on its populace. The 2Pfj emphasizes that electoral governance reform, which underpins the very foundations of the Republic and democracy, cannot be reduced to a mere informational briefing.

Consequently, the 2Pfj strongly recommends that the government transform its current initiative into a genuine framework for republican negotiation and dialogue, actively involving all vital segments of the nation. The organization asserts that any future body responsible for managing elections must emerge from a national consensus to inspire confidence among all stakeholders.

To achieve this, the platform also advocates for the establishment of joint technical commissions. These commissions would comprise representatives from the government, the opposition, and civil society, working collaboratively.

Their mandate would involve defining the specific powers, financial autonomy, and overall independence of the three proposed new electoral bodies, or indeed any alternative institutional structure that might ultimately be adopted.

These detailed proposals are contained within the document signed by Jean-Martial N’Guessan, who serves as the chairman of the 2Pfj’s board of directors.

Furthermore, the platform believes that a climate of trust is absolutely essential for the success of these discussions. In this regard, the 2Pfj advocates for the release of individuals detained in politically motivated cases and for the safe return of exiles.

It also urges for meaningful representation of women’s and youth organizations within the prospective electoral bodies, aiming to foster inclusive and peaceful citizen oversight.

The 2Pfj recognizes that the various electoral crises have profoundly impacted the Ivorian people. However, it highlights that history consistently demonstrates the capacity of Ivorians to overcome their differences when the nation’s supreme interest is at stake.

The reform of electoral governance, in its view, presents a unique opportunity to unite citizens around a shared objective: building a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous Côte d’Ivoire.

It is worth recalling that following the dissolution of the former Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the Ivorian government convened a significant working session on June 22, 2026. This meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé.

Described as an expanded information session, this gathering brought together political parties, movements, and civil society organizations to explore avenues for reforming the electoral system and achieving lasting solutions.