A political coalition in Côte d’Ivoire has commended the government for initiating a reform of the country’s electoral governance, describing the move as a sign that authorities are heeding the concerns raised by political actors and civil society organisations.
In a statement delivered by its spokesperson, Zadi Djédjé, the Alliance of Ivorians for Democracy (AID) and the Union of Popular Masses for Peace (UMPP) expressed satisfaction following a briefing held on 22 June at the prime minister’s office. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, focused on restructuring the body responsible for elections.
The AID-UMPP noted that the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), whose members had reached the end of their mandate, together with the announcement of a new electoral governance framework, addresses demands that political parties and various civil society organisations have been making for several years.
The grouping believes this reform opens a new chapter in how elections are organised in Côte d’Ivoire, with the aim of boosting transparency in the electoral process, rebuilding trust among political stakeholders, and preventing crises before and after elections.
While acknowledging the achievements of the outgoing CEI, the coalition also welcomed the government’s determination to establish a new system composed of three separate bodies. These will be responsible, respectively, for the logistical organisation of elections, the tallying of votes, and the overall supervision of the electoral process.
According to the AID-UMPP, the reform is anchored in principles of professionalism, neutrality, transparency and efficiency—principles that can durably strengthen institutional stability and enhance the credibility of future polls.
The group further called on political parties, civil society organisations, community leaders and all actors involved in elections to support the implementation of the reform in a spirit of responsibility, patriotism and dialogue.
Urging the government to continue its efforts toward stability and national cohesion, the AID-UMPP also appealed to political actors to place their trust in the republic’s institutions, stressing that respect for institutions remains a key factor in consolidating democracy and preserving peace in Côte d’Ivoire.
