Côte d’ivoire electoral reform praised for fostering transparency and stability

Abidjan — A coalition of political parties in Côte d’Ivoire has commended the government’s move to reform the electoral governance framework, calling it a significant step toward addressing long-standing concerns raised by political actors and civil society groups.

The Alliance of Ivoirians for Democracy (AID) and the Union of Popular Masses for Peace (UMPP) issued a joint statement following a briefing session held on June 22 at the Prime Minister’s office in Abidjan. The event, led by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, focused on restructuring the electoral body whose mandate had lapsed.

The coalition highlighted the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) as a pivotal decision, noting that it aligns with years of demands for a more inclusive and accountable electoral system. The announcement of a restructured governance model featuring three distinct bodies—one for logistical coordination, another for vote tabulation, and a third for overall oversight—was praised as a move toward enhanced professionalism, neutrality, and efficiency in elections.

In their statement, the AID-UMPP emphasized that this reform marks a new chapter in Côte d’Ivoire’s electoral history, aiming to restore public trust, minimize pre- and post-election tensions, and safeguard the credibility of future polls. They also acknowledged the CEI’s past contributions while stressing the importance of the government’s commitment to building a more transparent and resilient electoral process.

The coalition urged all political stakeholders, civil society leaders, and community representatives to support the reform’s implementation with a spirit of responsibility, unity, and constructive dialogue. They called on the government to maintain its efforts in promoting national cohesion and encouraged political actors to place their faith in the country’s institutions, arguing that respect for democratic structures is essential for long-term stability and peace.